Huntington #9 Celebrates Memorial Day
HUNTINGTON — Hundreds took time to remember the nation’s heroes at Huntington’s 63rd Annual Memorial Day Program on May 31, 2010. The event and wreath laying ceremony took place at the Veterans Memorial Arch, located on the west end of Ritter Park.
The annual event is organized by the Veterans Committee for Civic Improvement and the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District. Mayor Kim Wolfe, himself a naval Vietnam veteran, greeted the crowd saying his city has sent many warriors abroad to preserve the nation’s freedoms.
This year’s featured speaker was retired Lt. Col. Harold Vance Huston. His 23-year military career includes deployments in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan, along with the piloting of Marine One under Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson.
Sir Knights of Huntington Commandery No. 9 gathered at the Memorial Arch to honor members of the military who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
Vincent Perry, Commander of the Huntington Commandery No. 9, said he attended the ceremony because of what it means to him. “I could be a lot of places,” Perry said. “But what could be more important than honoring the veterans of this country.”
Sir Knights of Huntington Commandery No. 9 were the featured group this year and were seated in the front rows. Twenty Sir Knights participated with 16 dressed in full uniform. Helping to lay a wreath was Paul Davis, Eminent Grand Captain General of the Grand Commandery of West Virginia.
Eminent Grand Captain General Paul Davis, first on left above
Paul Davis, center
