Do people really know the meaning of Memorial Day? It's about all the servicemen and women who lost their lives on the battlefield so you could live in a free country.
There were parades in Williamstown, Marietta and around the surrounding areas. The American Legion had sponsored a cookout at the City Park in Parkersburg. You would've thought that Mayor Bob Newell would have gotten a hold of the VFW, American Legion, DAV, AMVETS to see if they would have a parade for all the fallen comrades.
It looks like Williamstown and Marietta mayors know what is going on because they always have some kind of parade or some kind of function for the holidays. Just look at the 4th of July, they'll have a parade or something going on, but not the city of Parkersburg. Newell needs to get involved with the city with parades, 4th of July and all other community activities.
So Newell should get with the mayors of Williamstown and Marietta and see how they plan things so he can get the city of Parkersburg running like theirs with things to take your family to and enjoy. It is very sad that you have to go to another town to see a parade or some kind of activity because the city of Parkersburg has nothing.
Oh, yes, we have the farmers' market downtown, but the kids wouldn't enjoy going there and seeing it. What about bringing the boat races down to the point. Marietta has them and we have the same Ohio River. So if you need me to come down and give you ideas on what to bring to Parkersburg and keep it in Parkersburg just let me know.
Keep the money in Parkersburg bring things into Parkersburg.
John McIntyre
Parkersburg
EDITOR'S NOTE: The city of Parkersburg held this year, as in years past, a Memorial Day event at City Park in which the names of 71 area residents who have died since Memorial Day 2011, were read. Mayor Newell was present at the event.
