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Honorees Saluted at Good Shepherd Veterans Day Celebration

By Eric Ayres 4 min read

WHEELING - Good Shepherd Nursing Home hosted its annual Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday night, extending the salute to the greater community of those who have served.

Each year, Good Shepherd has expressed gratitude for the service, dedication and sacrifices made to the country by its many residents who are veterans of the U.S. military. This year, the event also recognized the veterans who are residents of the Welty Apartments, Welty Town Homes and Braddock Apartments, as well as military veterans who work on the Good Shepherd staff.

Tuesday night’s celebration also recognized the Wheeling Military Banner Program and the many individuals and organizations which have made it such a great success since its launch just two years ago.

"Veterans Day is more than a day on the calendar," said Morgan Murphy, administrator at Good Shepherd Nursing Home. "It’s an opportunity to reflect on the men and women who answered the call to serve, often putting the needs of their country ahead of their own."

Each veteran from the local facilities was recognized and given a token of gratitude for their service, dedication and sacrifices made to the country. Some of those on hand served during times of war, some served during times of peace. Some served overseas, while others performed their service in the states.

Murphy said regardless where and when they served, they all share a common bond through their service and all have made sacrifices in one way or - often going unseen.

"Military service represents courage, commitment, and a sense of duty," Murphy said. "Because generations of Americans were willing to put their own lives, their own families and their own futures on the line to protect something that is bigger than themselves. Throughout our Welty community, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by individuals who have served our country."

Ohio County Commissioner Randy Wharton thanked the veterans on hand and gave a special salute in observation of that day - Nov. 10.

"I would be remiss if I didn’t wish a hearty happy birthday to the United States Marines," Wharton said, garnering an enthusiastic round of applause from the full house on hand in the Good Shepherd Chapel.

Nov. 11 - Veterans day - marked the second anniversary of the Wheeling Military Banner Program. Today there are 455 banners flying throughout the city in honor of veterans and active military personnel from the city.

Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder recognized the many individuals and organizations that have helped make the banner program such a tremendous success.

"We just can’t thank them enough," Magruder said. "We have to make sure that we never forget. It helps to make families feel that their sacrifices are truly appreciated. When we remember them and we let the families know that we remember them, I just think that it makes for a better day for those families."

John Larch of the Wheeling Military Banner Program noted that special ceremonies are held for banners hung in honor of those who were killed in action. Those ceremonies are always important to the family members of fallen soldiers, even for those whose loved ones gave the ultimate sacrifice many decades ago in service of their country. Larch noted some of those family members - known as Gold Star Family members - were on hand during Tuesday night’s celebration.

Larch noted Wheeling was among the last cities - if not the last - in the Northern Panhandle to initiate a military banner program to honor hometown service personnel. Larch has always credited Magruder for taking on the task when he took office as mayor, and Magruder has consistently credited Larch for spearheading the effort as the driving volunteer for the program.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart and Moundsville Veteran’s Honor Guard on Tuesday night presented plaques for a special recognition to both Magruder and the city of Wheeling and to Larch for their efforts in honoring American veterans and their family members. Magruder also presented a key to the city to Larch for his continued work, describing him as the "heart and soul" of the city’s Military Banner Program.

During Tuesday night’s salute, the Wheeling Symphony String Quartet performed patriotic selections, and blessings were offered by the Rev. Joel Grisson.

"Service often requires great sacrifice," Murphy noted, emphasizing the importance of unity in honoring veterans’ service by showing them respect - and by showing respect for the country for which they served. "Each of their stories is unique. We’re here to let them know that their contributions and their stories matter."

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