Braxton County’s Annual Veterans Day Celebration, hosted by Central West Virginia Aging Service, Inc., and American Legion Post #33, was held on Saturday, November 9.
The celebration began with a parade through Gassaway. John Morrison 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 of Allegiance.
Bethany Lake followed with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.
Evelyn Post then recognized Parade Marshal John Morrison.
Guest speaker for the Veterans Day reception was Sissy K. Price, United States Navy Veteran. She spoke about being grateful for the support over the years, not only during her time in the military but before and afterwards.
Following the speaker, Russell Shaw provided the meal blessing before local Boy and Girl 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. This year special recognition went out to local fifth graders who participated in an essay contest about “What Veterans’ Day Means to Me.” The winners were first place Carter Ratliff, Frametown, second place Fallon Belknap, Davis, third place Laney King, Frametown, and most original Hunter Foster, Davis. Each student received a cash prize and their teachers, Sue Ann White and Emily Backus will receive monetary donations to help with their classrooms.
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, American Legion Post #33, Country Girl Catering, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Town of Gassaway, and all of the volunteers.
See additional photographic coverage of the parade and reception on Pages 9 & 11 of this issue.