Vienna retires Gold Star Memorial flag
Vienna Mayor Randy Rapp was joined by other mayors, police officers, veterans and Vienna City Council members in holding the torn flag while Justin Enoch with the Warehouse Church offered prayers during Tuesday’s flag-changing ceremony at the Gold Star Memorial at Spencer’s Landing. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
The Marine Corps League raised the new flag during Tuesday’s flag-changing ceremony at the Gold Star Memorial at Spencer’s Landing in Vienna. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Nicole Stewart sang the national anthem during Tuesday’s flag changing ceremony at the Gold Star Memorial at Spencer’s Landing. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Vienna Mayor Randy Rapp was joined by other mayors, police officers, veterans and Vienna City Council members in holding the torn flag while Justin Enoch with the Warehouse Church offered prayers during Tuesday’s flag-changing ceremony at the Gold Star Memorial at Spencer’s Landing. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
The Marine Corps League raised the new flag during Tuesday’s flag-changing ceremony at the Gold Star Memorial at Spencer’s Landing in Vienna. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Nicole Stewart sang the national anthem during Tuesday’s flag changing ceremony at the Gold Star Memorial at Spencer’s Landing. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
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VIENNA -- The city of Vienna honored the United States and prayed for the nation Tuesday evening at the Gold Star Memorial at Spencer's Landing Park during a flag-changing ceremony.
The torn flag that was erected at the monument had been damaged by weather.
"When I saw the tear in the top of the flag, I knew we needed to get it changed," said Vienna Mayor Randy Rapp.
Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce, Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz and Justin Enoch with the Warehouse Church offered prayers at the event and Nicole Stewart sang the national anthem.
"Right now you can look all over the U.S. and see a nation divided," said Scott Kirby, a member of the Marine Corps League. "This ceremony was about more than just retiring a torn flag, but bringing God back into our community and country."
Kirby said anyone who wishes to retire old flags can contact the Marine Corps League for a proper ceremony.
Many residents were in attendance including veterans and law enforcement.
"I am very thankful to Randy for the Gold Star monument being built and so well maintained," said Rick Raab, a Vienna native who fought in the Vietnam war and is pictured on the monument.
Raab said he was proud to be a part of Vienna, the ceremony and the monument.