Our Ohio Valley has a tradition of honoring its sons and daughters who have stepped up to serve the nation through military service.

Through various active veterans organizations, to numerous monuments and memorials, to community services and more, our residents always strive to honor that service and show our appreciation. Approximately 10 years ago, that effort took another step when a handful of residents in Weirton launched a veterans banner program as a way to visually display our civic pride for those who have served.

In the years since, Weirton’s banner program has grown to feature more than 500 veterans, with communities up and down the valley inspired to take up their own campaigns. Today, similar displays can be found from Chester to Wheeling and well beyond.

Weirton has taken its program a step farther.

Recognizing there are some who never made it home, organizers of the city’s banner program recently approached the Brooke and Hancock Veterans Memorial Park about establishing a dedicated area to display the banners of those designated as Prisoners of War, Missing in Action, and Killed in Action.

Ten poles – with space to fit 20 banners – were dedicated at the park located in the south end of Weirton’s downtown in a ceremony last week.

Fourteen names were read, although officials are certain there are many more.

It is always appropriate to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our nation, and we applaud those involved for taking the steps to make certain they are never forgotten in the Weirton community.