MORGANTOWN — There doesn’t seem to be much common ground upon which all Americans are willing to stand these days.
But regardless of your position on this issue or that, one thing certainly isn’t up for debate — the ability to argue, bicker, criticize and demonstrate comes courtesy of rights protected by the one percent of Americans willing to put on the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.
Programs across Morgantown provided an opportunity to say “Thank you” on Friday, ahead of Veterans Day, which is Sunday.
Senior Monongalians’ location in the old Mountaineer Mall was decked out in red, white and blue as 16 veterans were honored.
Marine veteran Jamie Summerlin, who founded veteran job placement non-profit Operation Welcome Home, was the event’s emcee. He offered remarks that touched on his own service as well as his 2012 Freedom Run, a 100-day run across America to raise awareness for veterans’ issues.
Brenda Shinkovich is a Senior Mons board member as well as vice regent of the Hagans-Evans Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She said a special recognition was held for Vietnam veterans and pins were provided by Governor Jim Justice for all who served.
Senior Mons Board member Ruth Kilionski said the organization has held a Veterans Day program for at least the last 12 years.
“Everything just worked out really well,” Kilionski said. “It took a lot of teamwork to get everything together, but these guys deserve it. They really do.”
Meanwhile, across town, the annual Veterans Day assembly organized by the Morgantown High School Key Club featured a pair of keynote speakers, performances from the MHS music department and even an Army National Guard promotion for newly minted Staff Sergeant Shane Civitillo — all before a packed house in the MHS gymnasium.
West Point graduate and retired Army Major Brett Simpson, who serves as CEO of Operation Welcome Home, said he takes as much pride in the service of his father and grandfather as he does in his own military career. He shared stories of some of the friends he’s made, both in the Army and through Operation Welcome Home.
“Many fine patriots, both men and women, have given a lot. Many continue to give a lot, and too many have lost their lives,” Simpson said. “So always be grateful, proud and thankful for our veterans. They make up less than one percent of our population but have given more than anyone can imagine.”
The assembly also heard from Forest “Jack” Bowman, a retired WVU law professor and Captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Army. He was introduced by his granddaughter, Abby Bowman, MHS Key Club President.
Bowman said growing up under the shadow of World War II instilled in him a desire to put on the uniform and “be a part of something greater.” He said the military still offers young people an opportunity to better themselves and their lives regardless of race, religion or politics.
“The only thing that matters is how you do your job,” he said.
Bowman asked everyone to show appreciation for those who stood the line on their behalf, be it on Veterans Day or any other,
“Before the day is out, at home, here at school, on a street corner or over a backyard fence; whether they came home last week or in the last century, find a veteran, extend your hand and say those words they never expect to hear, but deserve every day,” Bowman said. “Find a veteran and say, ‘Thank you for your service.’ ”
