Weirton remembers the service of local veterans
Craig Howell REMINDER – Delegate-elect Tony Viola served as the Veterans Day keynote speaker in Weirton, Wednesday, noting the source of his name from two great uncles who served in World War II, and the importance of sharing family military history.
Craig Howell OFFERING A SALUTE – Members of the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard presented a salute in honor of those who have served during Wednesday's Veterans Day service in Weirton.
Craig Howell PLACING A WREATH – Representatives of Boy Scout Troop 334 and Cub Scout Pack 334 were among those presenting wreaths as part of Wednesday's service in Weirton.
Craig Howell REMINDER – Delegate-elect Tony Viola served as the Veterans Day keynote speaker in Weirton, Wednesday, noting the source of his name from two great uncles who served in World War II, and the importance of sharing family military history.
Craig Howell OFFERING A SALUTE – Members of the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard presented a salute in honor of those who have served during Wednesday's Veterans Day service in Weirton.
Craig Howell PLACING A WREATH – Representatives of Boy Scout Troop 334 and Cub Scout Pack 334 were among those presenting wreaths as part of Wednesday's service in Weirton.
Trending
WEIRTON - At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, people around the world gather to remember those who have put on the uniform in defense of their nation.
The day marks the moment, in 1918, when an armistice was reached to cease hostilities between the Allied forces and Germany during World War 1, for all intents and purposes bringing an end to "the war to end all wars."
Weirton was among the communities taking time to observe the day, originally referred to as Armistice Day and now set aside as Veterans Day to remember the service of all veterans.
Mayor Dean Harris was among those addressing the crowd gathered in the Weirton Room of the Millsop Community Center Wednesday, saying while the day is looked at as as a time to thank veterans, it also should be a time for reflection of the benefits of their service.
"We live in a country where opportunity is available to all because of their sacrifice," Harris said, noting they are the men and women who have stepped forward to preserve and protect the rights and freedoms of others.
"We owe you more than just one day," Harris said.
Delegate-elect Tony Viola served as the keynote speaker of Wednesday’s service, calling it an honor to stand before those gathered, which included many local veterans.
While Viola never put on the uniform himself, he noted some of his family who had served, saying Veterans Day is a reminder of service and sacrifice, but for him it also brings to mind the importance of a name.
"A name tells us who we are and where we come from," Viola said.
He explained his family originally immigrated to the United States from Sicily, establishing roots in Follansbee. When the time came, though, many were called upon to put on the uniform and fight in World War II.
They included his great uncle, Anthony, who died at the Battle of the Bulge, and his great uncle Joseph, who fought in the Philippines where he contracted malaria and died shortly after returning home.
Viola said, when it came time for his grandfather to begin a family, he opted to name his son after those two brothers, a name that would eventually be passed on to him as well.
"I share it because I know there are people in this room with stories like mine," Viola said, urging those in attendance to share the stories of their families in an effort to continue to remember their sacrifice. "One day, these stories may be all we have left."
Also part of the Weirton service was the announcement of a donation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2716, of a combined $600 from the Weirton Festival Committee and the Weirton Generaal Federation of Women’s Clubs Garden Club to assist in the purchase of a bench to stand in tribute to local veterans.
Wednesday’s service concluded with a presentation of wreaths by several local organizations, and a salute by the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)