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PARKERSBURG - Veterans Day was marked by a parade along Washington Avenue and a remembrance ceremony Wednesday in Parkersburg City Park.

A large crowd gathered in front of the park's war memorial to hear speakers and performances from the county's three public high schools, which became one unit to play "The Star-Spangled Banner" and other songs after the parade.

Vienna Mayor David Nohe spoke to the crowd about how much is owed to servicemembers and that veterans should not be forgotten.

"We are the greatest country on the earth thanks to you," he said. "You will not be forgotten, never be forgotten until the day we die.

"Your service is priceless."

Parkersburg Mayor Bob Newell spoke about how the service of the veterans affects the lives of Americans today.

"It is important to remember since it shows the rest of the world how we honor those who served," he said. "One of our strengths is how we honor them. That shows how strong this country is today."

Wednesday's main speaker was Col. Bob Ellison, who retired from the West Virginia Air National Guard 25 years ago after 36 years of service.

Ellison spoke of the history of the Air Guard.

Ellison said after the Air Force was made a separate branch of the military in 1946, the state's Air Guard unit was activated for the service the first time in 1950 for the Korean War. He said one member was taken as a prisoner of war after he was shot down and one was killed in action.

For many years, he said, the unit was involved in special operations that were classified, serving along with units from Maryland, Rhode Island and California. It was put into action in Panama and was used to set up a medical and dental clinic that saw patients who walked for several days to reach them.

"It was an unbelievable experience and our morale was high," Ellison said. "At one point the dentist pulled so many teeth that he developed a kink in his hand and another guardsman took over pulling teeth while the dentist rested his hand."

At the end of the ceremony there was a fly-over by the Wood County Sheriff's Department helicopter. While it flew over and around the park it was pulling a large U.S. flag.