West Virginia University at Parkersburg honors veterans buried in Poor House Cemetery
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PARKERSBURG -- The Poor House Cemetery, located on the main campus of West Virginia University at Parkersburg, honored veterans on Thursday with a special ceremony.
Volunteers from the WVU-P Arts Club, Veterans Corps and the campus community gathered together to honor veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the American War for Independence.
Some tombstones indicate as to what branch of military some of the unknown names of buried veterans once served in, along with emblems, but do not indicate in which wars the veterans served.
Darren Shearlock, WVU-P's Veterans Advocate, explained, "honoring these veterans is the least we can do. They give us so much it is only proper that we remember their sacrifices."
Shearlock continued, "as a society if we fail to honor those that have sacrificed for us, we may find ourselves without people willing to do so, if we are in need in the future."
Seventeen graves were given American flags that will become permanent fixtures on the graves. It's possible that more veterans may be buried in the cemetery, but without indicators on their tombstones, Shearlock said.
Dr. Laurie Reedmiller, the Art Club advisor, stated, "learning about the veterans buried at the Wood County Poor House Cemetery allows us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of those who fought for our freedom."
Maria Rutherford can be reached at mrutherford@newsandsentinel.com