Every community has them: the people that work behind the scenes, quietly moving mountains without ever asking for recognition. They are the ones who volunteer after work, who notice what’s missing and decide to fix it, who serve others not because they want to be seen — but because they believe it’s the right thing to do.

One of those people is John Larch.

Larch never served in the military, and he is the first to deflect credit for Wheeling’s Military Banner Program. Ask him about it, and he’ll point to Mayor Dennis Magruder, to the city’s Operations department, to the VFW and American Legion, to the families who sponsor banners for their loved ones. But those who know the truth are quick to say that without Larch’s leadership, Wheeling might still be the city without a banner program — one of the most visible, heartfelt tributes to its veterans anywhere in the Ohio Valley.

In just one year, nearly 300 banners now line the streets of the Friendly City, each honoring a man or woman that served. They hang proudly above neighborhoods where those veterans once lived, reminding passersby that freedom and community are built by ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

What makes Larch’s story so compelling is not just what he’s done, but how he’s done it. He didn’t hold office or draw a salary. He simply saw a way to honor others and took it upon himself to make it happen. He organized ceremonies, contacted families, printed programs, and coordinated with city workers — all while maintaining his own duties. The result has been more than banners; it’s been a renewed sense of gratitude in Wheeling.

At each dedication ceremony, the emotion is clear. Veterans who thought their service was forgotten stand a little taller. Families of those killed in action find comfort in knowing their loved one’s sacrifice is remembered. And when local students lead the Pledge of Allegiance, the next generation sees what respect truly looks like.

Larch doesn’t want the attention, of course. He insists that Magruder “brought the program to Wheeling.”

But Magruder is right when he says Larch is the program’s heartbeat. Every successful community project has one — that selfless individual who does the unseen work to turn a good idea into a living tribute.

As the banners come down for the winter and are cleaned and stored until next Memorial Day, they will serve as a reminder that the spirit behind them endures year-round. Wheeling’s veterans deserve every bit of recognition they receive, and so do the people like John Larch who make that recognition possible.

In a world where it’s become acceptable to chase headlines and accolades, it’s the quiet heroes — the ones who simply get things done — who remind us what true service looks like.

Wheeling is better because of them.