The Tucker County Veterans Association held the annual Memorial Day Celebration located at the All Veterans Memorial Wall in Parsons on Saturday, May 25, 2013. National Security Business Unit Partner Brigadier General Michael Lee (USAF Ret.) spoke alongside the Honorable Dorothy Judy, Mayor of Parsons.
Mayor Judy remarked that this event was “a motivating and inspiring renewal of commitment to Tucker County Veterans that make us all proud to be Americans”.
General Lee’s remarks included a message from the WV State flag – “West Virginia has a long history of military service. In fact, their state seal depicts this in the motto, Montani Semper Liberi, which means “Mountaineers Are Always Free.” A large stone in the center of the seal stands for strength. In front of the stone are two rifles and the cap of liberty, indicating that freedom and liberty were won and will be maintained by the force of arms. An inscription on the wall bearing the names of the men and women from Tucker County who served reads: “ALL GAVE SOME – SOME GAVE ALL.”
General Lee’s wife Julie submitted the following quote: “WV has more people in the military per capita than any other state in the US. In this small county in WV (Tucker) they have a roll of honor of those who have served, there are names of more than 4,000 men and women. The memorial was created in large part by the men and women who served. Today more than 175,000 Veterans call WV home…..they are all proud to be Americans.”
General Lee stated, “I speak at a lot of events and Saturday (May 25) was one of the most humbling experiences I’ve had since retiring. West Virginians are very proud people and the backbone of America!!” He further added that he is happy to own property in Tucker County and will always be a MOUNTAINEER.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, audience members were asked to judge a poster contest sponsored by the Veterans Association. Students at DTEMS and TVEMS created posters about Memorial Day. The winners were Mrs. Waybright’s 7th grade class at TVEMS and Megan Helmick’s class at DTEMS.
