The Honor Guard, consisting of members from the VFW Post 6153 and American Legion Post 103 of Chapmanville, and DAV Post 39 of Harts, gave a 3-gun salute during Sunday’s Veterans Day ceremony on Midelburg Island.

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“May the strength of God sustain us, may the power of God preserve us, may the hand of God protect us, may the way of God direct us, and may the love of God go with us” was the opening prayer recited by American Legion Post 19 Commander Charles Stone at Sunday’s Veterans Day ceremony held on Midelburg Island.

Following the Presenting of Colors, a moment of silence was held to remember those who were Prisoners of War (POW) and those Missing In Action (MIA). Following the moment of silence, little Miss Hannah Maynard led those attending in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Stone then introduced Logan Mayor Serafino Nolletti who thanked the veterans for their service.

“Today is a great day and I am really proud to be honoring our veterans,” said Nolletti. “Thank you for risking your lives so we could be here today.”

The second speaker was Logan County Chief Deputy and newly elected Sheriff Sonya Dingess Porter.

“As we all gather here to honor our veterans for their sacrifices, I think we need to offer them our appreciation,” said Porter. “Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today… if it weren’t for them we couldn’t experience the freedom we enjoy today.”

The third speaker was W.Va. Senator Art Kirkendoll.

“Without the veterans, their families and the sacrifices they have made down through the years, nothing that we have ever done would have ever worked,” said Kirkendoll. “We get in the habit in America of hugging our athletes and different people, you ought to take time to hug a fireman, an emergency service worker, but above all, pay the respect and hug a veteran sometime. Continue to teach our young kids it is not just a normal thing to just look at and pay homage to things that are wrong…teach them the things we learn… family values, hard work, dedication to the American system and honor your vets who keep America free and strong.”

After the speakers, Linda Gore sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” The Honor Guard gave a three-gun salute and “Taps” was played as the American flag was raised to half-staff.

The ceremony ended with the Retirement of the Colors.