Elkins community pays respects during Memorial Day service

ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY) — To recognize Memorial Day, the American Legion Post 29 held a public service at the intersection of Harrison and Railroad Avenues in Elkins on Monday, which members said had a much higher turnout than years prior.

The ceremony began at 11:00 a.m. with introductory remarks from Post 29 Legion’s commander, Brent Workman. The keynote speaker for the event was Juliann Harlan, a 15-year-old who represented West Virginia in the national finals of the American Legion Oratorical Contest.

12 News spoke with Harlan on the importance of younger generations recognizing the significance of Memorial Day.

“I honestly have a personal experience with it because all my grandfathers served. My grandfather on my dad’s side served in the Army and my grandfather on my mom’s side served in the Marines, and it’s such a big thing to me because from all the stories they’ve told me and everything they’ve gone through. People just like me should have to learn about that. It’s such a rich part of our history that young kids like me don’t care about, and to me, that really saddens me because it’s so very important,” said Harlan.

Elkins mayor Jerry Marco was also in attendance and spoke to the crowd on the importance of expressing gratitude to those who have served all year round.

12 News also spoke to Post 29 Commander Brent Workman on what he hopes people take into recognition on Memorial Day.

“Be thankful that they live in a country where you can do what you want or be something you want to be, because a lot of places you can’t,” said Workman.

Elkins American Legion Post 29 will hold a flag retirement ceremony on June 15 at Little Arlington Ceremony starting at 5:00 p.m. The Legion encourages the public to attend, and if you have a flag you’d like to dispose of, you can do so by leaving it at the drop-off box in front of the American Legion.

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