Braxton County’s Annual Veterans Day Celebration, hosted by Central West Virginia Aging Service, Inc., and American Legion Post #33, was held on Friday, November 11.
The celebration began with a parade through Gassaway. Ray Strader was the Parade Marshal. Numerous organizations came out to march in the parade and ride on floats honoring local veterans.
After the parade, the celebration moved to the National Guard Armory for a reception. Evelyn
Post, coordinator of the event and Executive Director of Central WV Aging Service welcomed the large audience before Russell Shaw provided the invocation.
The American Legion Post #33 posted the colors and led those in attendance to the Pledge.
Barbara Riffle followed with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.
Ben Strader, member of the Sons of Legion and Ray Strader’s grandson, presented the recognition of the POA/MIA table.
Delegate Brent Boggs briefly spoke to the crowd. He asked that “we thank our Veterans, not just today, but every day.”
Post then recognized Parade Marshal Ray Strader of Burnsville.
Guest speaker for the Veterans Day reception was Sergeant First Class Chris Shortall. He is a native of Braxton County and a graduate of the Braxton County High School. During his speech, he thanked those who served and who are currently serving, for all of the sacrifices they have made.
Following the speaker, Russell Shaw provided the meal blessing before local Boy Scouts and Girls Scout members served lunch to those in attendance.
Country Girls Catering again provided the wonderful meal.
After lunch, Post returned to the podium to announce the parade winners in various categories and door prizes.
The American Legion Post #33 retired the colors to end the reception.
In addition to Central WV Aging Services, others who helped make the event possible were Delegate Brent Boggs, Braxton County Commissioner Lisa Mace Godwin, American Legion Post #33, Country Girl Catering, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, C.A.R.E., Inc., Little Caesars Pizza-Terry Perkins, and all of the volunteers.
See additional photographic coverage on Pages 8 and 9 of this issue.
