photo by: Niamh Coomey

The military child’s table setting was a new addition to the Veterans Day event at WesBanco Arena this year in honor of the struggles of the children of service members.

WHEELING — Several dozen veterans and their loved ones gathered at WesBanco Arena on Monday morning for the annual Veterans Day ceremony honoring those who have served the country.

Many speakers at the hour-long event highlighted the struggles that families of service members endure.

Col. Gary Gwynn, a Wheeling native who has served in the military for over 20 years, was the main speaker for the event.

Gwynn acknowledged the veterans in attendance, as well as noting the empty chairs in the audience, saying they were filled in spirit by those who were unable to return home from duty.

West Virginia soldiers who have died or are missing could likely fill the arena, he added.

Gwynn emphasized the importance of continued community support for veterans who return home and ensuring that they have the resources they need after serving, such as mental health services.

“Each veteran has faced challenges that many of us cannot begin to imagine,” Gywnn said. “The physical toll is visible in the scars that they carry, but the emotional burdens are very, very heavy, often hidden beneath the surface.”

He also acknowledged the families of service members, noting the challenges they endure such as long separations and the constant worry that their loved one may be in harm’s way.

“Let’s not forget the families of these brave men and women. Their sacrifices often go unnoticed: spouses, children and parents,” Gwynn said. “Their strength is commendable. They, too, deserve recognition and gratitude.”

In recognition of the struggles and sacrifices made by children of service members, a portion of the event was dedicated to a military child’s table setting ceremony. This is a new addition to the annual event. During the ceremony, servicemen placed different objects on a table, such as a birthday cake with unlit candles, symbolizing missed special occasions at home, and a hand spade showing that military children may be transplanted to a new location at any time.

There was also a table honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action.

This ceremonial table was covered with symbolic items such as a red rose as a reminder of service members’ families and loved ones and an inverted wine glass to illustrate that those who have not returned home cannot be present to join in a toast or festivities.

Michelle Powell, auxiliary president of American Legion Post 1, also highlighted the repercussions of war on the loved ones of those on active duty.

“The weight of war involves more than just the combatants who fought to the death on the field of battle,” she said. “The fight forces begin at the fireside and in the hometowns.”

Powell emphasized that the common goal of military service members is achieving peace.

“Our hearts beat in tune with those in other nations fighting for freedom, dignity and opportunity of mankind,” Powell said.