Showing dedication to the veterans of Mason County

Memorial Dedication Ceremony held, with photos by Ed Lowe

Staff Report

Mason County Extra Edition

MASON, W.Va. — The Mason County Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony was held last weekend, fittingly enough, on Veterans Day, commemorating the first phase of the project and updating those gathered on the phases to follow, all while honoring those who have served.

The memorial is located near the Bridge of Honor on the Mason, W.Va. side of the Ohio River, across from Pomeroy, Ohio.

Longtime, community photographer Ed Lowe, was there to capture the event. Lowe has shared his photos with Mason County Extra Edition and many appear in this story.

The itinerary for the dedication program included the following:

Music: Toby Keith’s “American Solider”;

Presentation of Colors: Sons of the American Revolution;

Invocation: Charlie Hargraves, Vietnam Veteran;

National Anthem: Amanda DelVillanclark, LTV®, US Army;

Welcome: Gary Fields, Memorial Trustee;

Introduction for state and local officials: Bob Wing, Memorial FB/Web Page;

Speaker introduction: Brent Clark, Memorial Vice President;

Speaker: Bradford Clark, LCDR (P) USCG;

Donor Recognition: Ronie Wheeler, Memorial CFO;

Unveiling of Service Plaques and Service Monuments by guests;

Reading of Jimmy G. Stewart: Kenneth Vickers, Memorial Trustee;

Citation/Unveiling of Pedestal;

Concluding speaker: Steve Halstead, Memorial President;

Gun Salute/Taps: American Legion Posts #140 and #23, VFW Post #9926;

“God Bless the USA” performance: Mark Kincaid;

Benediction: Billy Zuspan, Marine, Desert Storm and Iraq;

Retirement of the Colors/Fire of the Canon: Sons of the American Revolution.

Watch the dedication ceremony, and, keep up to date with the latest news and phases of this project, via the Mason County WV Veterans Memorial Facebook page, by clicking here. The SSGT. Jimmy G. Stewart Statue Unveiling is scheduled for May 27, 2024, Memorial Day.

View some of Lowe’s photos from last weekend’s ceremony, below.