Blog: A Salute to West Virginia's Veterans

Statement

This week, West Virginians throughout the Mountain State will join Americans across the country and around the world to recognize our nation's veterans and honor those men and women who have answered the call to serve their country. This Veterans Day, as people gather at 11 a.m. on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, I encourage all West Virginians to salute our state's veterans and celebrate the valor of those who've worn the uniform for years -- and generations -- past.

This year, there will be no shortage of opportunities to express your thanks. Veterans Day parades are scheduled to take place all across the state and in towns including Princeton, Fairmont, Welch, Elkins and Ripley. A new Gold Star Family monument, only the third monument of its kind in the country, will be unveiled during a formal dedication ceremony in Hartford in Mason County. The Bluefield Performing Arts Center and Bluefield High School will host a special Veterans Day concert. And in the Capital City, we'll celebrate Veterans Day with the 72nd annual Veterans Day parade and commemorative ceremony honoring those who have served here at home and halfway around the world.

Celebrating our state's veterans and their families has become an important part of our family's holiday tradition, and each year Joanne and I are honored to pay tribute to these men and women with a special holiday recognition tree in the Governor's Reception Room at the State Capitol Complex. The military recognition tree stands tall as a symbol of our support, celebrating our service men and women and their families, our veterans and our state's Gold Star families. As we draw closer to the holiday season, I encourage all West Virginians to send a photo of their family members or friends who have served or are serving in the military. So far, the response has been remarkable! This recognition tree is a wonderful way to showcase our state's proud tradition of service and our appreciation for those who've sacrificed for us and our country.

As we pause to remember the men and women who have served our state and nation this Veterans Day, let us also reflect upon the blessings we have the opportunity to enjoy each and every day because of the commitment and service of our men and women in uniform. To all those who have proudly served our country, regardless of the military branch in which you served, thank you for your service. This Veterans Day and every day, we honor you and will never forget the sacrifices you have made to keep our nation free.

To join us in honoring our military men and women, veterans and Gold Star families this holiday season, submit a photo of your loved one along with a form and tag to West Virginia Governor's Mansion, ATTN: Tina Amburgey, 1716 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston WV 25305. Learn more at http://www.governor.wv.gov/Documents/military%20tree%20form2.pdf.

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