V
eterans, visitors and citizens from around the Kanawha Valley gathered in the capital city on Monday to observe Veterans Day.
The annual Veterans Day Parade and ceremony was hosted by the American Legion's John Brawley Post 20 on Nov. 11. This year marked the group's 83rd annual program.
Members of local JROTC programs marched alongside school bands, first responders, veterans and other community members during the 11 a.m. parade. Marchers were greeted by crowds of parade goers along Capitol Street and Quarrier Street in downtown Charleston.
Following the half-hour parade, an hour-long service honoring veterans took place at Haddad Riverfront Park along Kanawha Boulevard.
Dozens of local veterans, including at least two World War II soldiers (Ulysses K. Dawson and Julian Socknman), attended the ceremony. Representatives for U.S. Senator Shelly Moore Capito and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, as well as a representative for Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, were on hand for the program. Other event speakers included Bob Aaron, a military veteran and reporter for local ABC affiliate WCHS, and Charleston Fire Department Captain David Hodges, among other guests.
Veteran Monica Willis officiated Monday's ceremony. Vietnam veteran Joe Norris spoke on his experiences in honor of missing soldiers and prisoners of war. Retired Master Sgt. Jeff Davis was the event's keynote speaker. The George Washington High School band provided music for the program, and Auxillary member Janice Moore sang the national anthem.
Kanawha Valley Update editor Michael Ramsburg captured the following images during Monday's parade.
