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Veterans Day ceremony in Weirton recognizes military trailblazers

By CRAIG HOWELL 3 min read

WEIRTON -- At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month, the Bells of Peace tolled in Weirton as the community paid tribute to those who have served in the nation's military.

A crowd of area residents gathered in the Rose Room of the Millsop Community Center, remembering the sacrifices of the men and women who have been a part of the U.S. Armed Forces, with a variety of groups and organizations contributing 11 wreaths in their honor.

Ward 4 Councilman George Ash, serving as master of ceremonies, welcomed those in attendance and introduced this year's guest speaker, Justyne Strohmeyer, an area native and historian with the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburgh.

Strohmeyer reflected on some of the first women to have enlisted in the nation's military forces, standing alongside men to fight and defend.

She explained her comments were not to disparage the contributions of men, but to remind all of the contributions of women who have stepped forward to serve.

"Both men and women have left their homes, left their families and left their jobs to follow a path of service," she said.

The earliest noted was Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Although her true identity would eventually be discovered, she received an honorable discharge following more than a year of service.

Opha May Johnson was the first woman known to have enlisted in the Marines, joining the Marine Corps Reserve in 1918 during World War I.

The first woman to enlist in the Navy was Loretta Walsh, in 1917. In addition to being the first American active-duty woman in the Navy, she was the first woman allowed to serve as a woman in any of the branches as anything besides a nurse.

Esther Blake enlisted in the Air Force the moment regular duty was authorized for women in 1948.

Twin sisters Genevieve and Lucille Baker, in 1918, transferred from the Naval Coastal Defense Reserve and are thought to be the first uniformed women to serve in the Coast Guard.

The Space Force have had women enlisted since its founding in 2019, though Strohmeyer credited Amy Biggers and Gianna Brown as the first on record.

Strohmeyer noted Veterans Day is a day set aside to remember those who have put on a military uniform to serve their country, encouraging residents to learn more of their history and lives.

"They all have a story to tell," she said.

Also speaking during Thursday's service was Mayor Harold Miller, who presented a proclamation of appreciation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2716. The VFW organizes the Veterans Day service in Weirton each year.

Miller noted his long-time efforts, as mayor, to show appreciation for local veterans, saying, while many such recognitions have been put off as a result of COVID-19, he hopes for them to return soon.

"It's the most important thing I do as mayor: Recognize the veterans," Miller said.

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