In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law a measure that called for Nov. 11 of each year to be set aside as a day to recognize those brave men and women that had fought to protect our nation’s freedoms. As Veterans Day arrives this year, we are again reminded about how important it is to honor the people who have served our country.
Nov. 11 is much more than just a day off of school — it is a day to remember the service and sacrifice of those who came before us. It remembers those who left our nation and traveled around the world to stand united against America’s enemies, and also those who served here at home.
Keondre’ King is a 2019 graduate of Wheeling Park High School and currently serving his country in the West Virginia Air National Guard.
“I believe we should honor those who have served and are currently serving because they dedicate their lives to keeping us safe and secure,” King said. “Veterans Day celebrates the service of all veterans, living or deceased. It’s a reminder to express our thanks to those who have committed to protecting our freedoms and keeping us safe.”
Another veteran is U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sergeant General Andrea Gump. She said the day holds significance for everyone, not only for those who served.
“Veterans Day is important because they are the people that helped shape and inform the pathway for me to have the freedoms that I have, which is the freedom to serve. So even if you’re not in the military, I think it’s important to celebrate Veterans Day, because without our nation’s soldiers, airmen, Marines, Coast Guard members, and so many more, we would have the things we take for granted every day,” SSG Gump said.
Here in Wheeling, the community hosts celebrations to help honor our veterans. One such event is coordinated by American Legion Post 1 in Wheeling, which holds a Veterans Day remembrance event at WesBanco Arena on Nov. 11.
A project to honor veterans is currently underway here at Wheeling Park, as well. Unveiling on Nov. 12, the Eagle statue, originally built in 2012 and located just in front of the main entrance, will be upgraded to include 171 engraved names of veterans that attended Wheeling Park.
This project is being done to help honor the Wheeling Park alumni that have risked their lives to help our country.
“As the Wheeling Park Patriots, it’s really amazing that we’ve had so many graduates go on to give being a Patriot a whole new meaning,” said Karin Butyn, Ohio County School’s Director of Communications. “This is a way to recognize their service, either by honoring them as veterans or celebrating their active duty status.”
If you are interested in submitting a name, there are plans to engrave new names annually. Contact Mrs. Butyn for more information via email at [email protected].
