Parkersburg holds Veterans Day parade ceremony

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Veterans and community members gathered in Parkersburg City Park to honor veterans.

The ceremony consisted of performances by Parkersburg, Parkersburg South and Williamstown high school bands, proclamations and remarks from Mayor Chad Emrick, guest speakers, a wreath-laying, 21-gun salute and a cannon salute.

“Veterans day is a great way we try to use to honor our veterans. Both the ones that are serving and the ones that are out of the military and honor the ones that didn’t make it back,” said army veteran Jerry Smith.

According to Jason Lowe of the Marine Corps, the ceremony is planned four months in advance in collaboration with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League and American Legion so veterans can receive the thanks, and the community can give thanks.

The parade has been going on for decades and has been growing from 35 to 55 participants in the past year.

Ways the community can continue to honor veterans are simply to display their flag, be proud to be an American and thank a veteran.