Photo by Craig Howell Members of the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard provided a salute to the dead to conclude Monday’s service.

WEIRTON — A local pastor and veteran took time Monday to remind area residents about the true meaning of Memorial Day.

The Rev. Rudy McAllister, pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church who served 34 years in the U.S. Air Force, including tours during Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield and Operation Iraqi Freedom, addressed those gathered at the Honor Roll Memorial as part of local Memorial Day observances.

“Today, we honor all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” McAllister said, noting the day is not about hamburgers, hot dogs and steaks on the grill, or special retail offers, but about remembering the men and women who stepped forward to serve their country in an effort to preserve freedom around the world and were never able to return home.

He recalled a particular day while serving in the Middle East when he was awake around 1 a.m. in the desert, with fog rolling in, and saw the hatch of a C-130 Hercules transport plane open with the coffins of nine individuals killed in service.

The visual, he said, reminded him they were men and women in uniform who would never again see their families or take part in holiday celebrations.

McAllister reminded those in attendance Memorial Day is meant to honor those who gave their lives in service to the country, not to serve as a festive event. He also encouraged veterans to share stories of the brothers and sisters they lost in combat to ensure they are never forgotten.

“This is not a celebration for us,” he said.

In closing, McAllister referenced 2 Timothy 4:7, which reads: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”

Mayor Dean Harris also presented members of American Legion Post 10, which organized Monday’s service, with a proclamation recognizing Memorial Day. He noted the yearly observance carries additional meaning in 2026 with the upcoming semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the nation.

“For nearly two and a half centuries, men and women have answered the call,” Harris said, encouraging residents to hold the memory of those who have fallen in their hearts.

Monday’s service also included the placement of more than a dozen wreaths at the Honor Roll Memorial.