Wyoming County honors veterans during "Veterans Day Tribute"

Nov. 7—PINEVILLE — Surrounded by a sea of red, white and blue and enveloped in patriotic music, Wyoming County officials hosted "Veterans Day Tribute" Tuesday afternoon on the courthouse steps.

Wyoming County Sheriff Brad Ellison, an Air Force veteran, offered the opening prayer.

Along with Sheriff Ellison, Deputies Tyler Phillips, Justin Grimmett, and Kenny Wallen, all Army veterans, conducted the flag-raising ceremony.

The Wyoming County Veterans Honor Guard conducted a 21-gun salute.

Wyoming County Circuit Judge Mike Cochrane, a Navy veteran, shared Johnny Cash's "Ragged Old Flag."

"Do yourself a favor," Cochrane also told the numerous school children attending. "Ask (the veterans) to tell you their story ... Thank them for their service."

Cochrane then asked them to look at the various monuments that adorn the courthouse square, honoring veterans who had paid the high cost for the nation's freedom.

Wyoming County Prosecutor Greg Bishop, a Marine veteran, conducted a moment of silence for the veterans who had sacrificed their lives for their country.

He cited John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Bishop noted that when looking back at Earth from space, there are no boundaries separating countries.

He said that the manmade checkpoints, signs, and map lines designating boundaries have no real permanence.

What it means to be a country is a state of mind, created by "what's in our hearts more than lines on a map," Bishop told those gathered.

He said that Americans hold ideals, such as liberty and justice, that make the country different from others.

Americans hold the constitution as the rule of law, he emphasized, and value individualism and freedom.

"We like to do what we want when we want ... We're a people that do not like to be told what to do."

Americans are also a generous people who donate billions to charity and believe in helping their neighbors, Bishop said.

He told those gathered, as they went about the rest of their day, to ask themselves what it means to be an American.

Lee Dean, the West Virginia secretary of state's field representative, performed several songs, including "America," "God Bless The USA," and "Under God."

Seven county schools were also represented in the program — from preschool to high school students.

Pineville Elementary third-graders, led by teacher Lori Leathers, sang the national anthem along with "You're A Grand Ole Flag," "My Country 'Tis Of Thee," and "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

Baileysville Elementary and Middle School fourth-graders led the Pledge of Allegiance. Jennifer Cook is their teacher.

Huff Consoldiated Elementary and Middle School preschool and kindergarten classes, led by teachers Jaquetta Lester and Tracie Toler, performed "Battle Hymn Of The Republic," using hand bells.

Berlin McKinney Elementary second-graders sang "The Poppy Song," with their teachers Brittany Ritchie, Megan Crutchfield, and Rosemary Stone.

The Laxtons, representing Glen Fork Elementary and Middle School and Westside High, performed "I Am Blessed" and "All The Way Home."

Wyoming County Career and Technical Center's culinary students provided the cupcakes. Kelly Laxton is their instructor.

It took a group effort to bring the celebration to fruition, emphasized Jewell Aguilar, county clerk.

She lauded the veterans, courthouse employees and office holders, Lee Dean, county commissioners, along with the schools, teachers, parents and students who participated in the program.