County officials and VA Office representatives were in attendance for Veterans Day programs held to honor local veterans for their service that were offered this week at three area schools, Carmichaels, Waynesburg Central and West Greene.
The first event was held on Nov. 5 and was coordinated by Waynesburg Central Elementary School. The program, which was held in the high school auditorium, featured a wide array of patriotic activities conducted by the elementary students, including the Pledge of Allegiance, class presentations, numerous patriotic sing-alongs, the folding of the American flag and more. The event also featured comments from Retired Master Sgt. Donald Bailey and Young Marine Recruits Bo Chapman and Owen Farrier.
West Greene School District held its Veterans Day program on Nov. 6 in the high school auditorium. Students in grades 3-6 participated in the program, as did the high school chorus. The program featured a Presentation of Colors by area veterans and Boy Scouts, the Folding of the Flag by Cub Scouts, a keynote address by Retired President Judge H. Terry Grimes, the recognition of two area students – Austin Crouse and Amber Finch – who are entering military service, patriotic music and poetry readings and much more.
On Nov. 8, Carmichaels American Legion Post 400 presented a program for the students of Carmichaels Area District in the high school auditorium. The program featured participation from the students and included patriotic songs performed by the combined efforts of the high school band and the Post 400 band, conducted by Frank Ricco; a presentation of the MIA and POW Table; a presentation on the Folding of the American Flag and the meaning of the flag’s 13 folds; student readings focusing on the history of “Taps” and the 21 Gun Salute; and more.
Kathy Cipcic, director of the county VA Office, commended everyone involved with the three school programs.
“The schools and their students and faculty, the service organizations, the volunteers, the residents who attended the programs, all of them deserve much applause for doing their parts in honoring and recognizing our veterans,” she said.
Cipcic reminded all residents that there are several more programs being offered Saturday through Tuesday to honor Veterans Day.
The annual Greene County Veterans Day Parade, sponsored by the Veterans Council of Greene County, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 in downtown Waynesburg.
The community is invited to come out to thank Greene County veterans past and present, the men and women who deserve to be honored and recognized for their service and dedication to the U.S. Military.
The parade will then begin at 10:45 a.m. and will proceed down High Street.
Service organizations participating in the parade include James L. Farrell Post 330 American Legion, Waynesburg VFW Post 4793 and Carmichaels VFW Post 3491, with the Greene County Honor Guard presenting the 21 Gun Salute.
This year’s Parade Marshals are veterans of World War II and the Korean War.
Immediately following the parade, a ceremony will be held at James L. Farrell Post 330 American Legion.
Other Veterans Day events scheduled are as follows.
On Sunday, Nov. 10:
Rogersville United Methodist Church, located at 102 Church Street in Rogersville, will hold a special service for Veterans Day at 11 a.m. This program will serve as the Sunday morning worship service presented by Pastor Cynthia Deter. Also, during this service there will be a Presentation of the Quilt of Valor. All veterans are invited to attend and will be recognized for their service, with a luncheon to follow.
A Veterans Brunch sponsored by state Rep. Pam Snyder will be held at Carmichaels American Legion Post 400 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A Veterans Day program will be held at Bobtown Honor Roll at 4 p.m. The Greene County Honor Guard will take part in the ceremony. A dinner will follow.
On Monday, Nov. 11:
Carmichaels American Legion Post 400 will have a 21 Gun Salute at 11 a.m. with the American Legion Post 400 Honor Guard at their post.
Jefferson American Legion Filer-Sadlek Post 954 will hold its annual Veterans Day Services at 11 a.m. in the Jefferson-Morgan High School’s Stanley Fowler Auditorium. Following the program, Post 954 will conduct their Post Everlasting Ceremony, memorializing three members of Post 954 who have passed away since November 2018.
On Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m., Harveys-Aleppo Grange in Graysville will host a Veterans Appreciation Evening to honor veterans of any of the U.S. Armed Forces. Certificates will be presented to veterans. The public is encouraged to attend. Coordinators said this program serves as a “Thank You” to veterans from all branches and war times for their service to this country.
Information pertaining to these services, programs and parades was presented to the Greene County Veterans Affairs Office and to the Greene County Commissioners.
For more information about anything pertaining to the Veterans Day programs or to the services provided to veterans by the Greene County VA Office, please call the office at 724-852-5275.