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West Virginia University at Parkersburg marks Memorial Day early with ceremony

By Brett Dunlap 4 min read

PARKERSBURG -- Students and staff at West Virginia University at Parkersburg attended a Memorial Day celebration on Thursday to honor those who gave their lives serving in the U.S. military.

Around 20 attended the event at the school's multi-purpose room.

America has commemorated Memorial Day since 1868, said Darren Shearlock, WVU-P Veterans Advocate and a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He read the original order published by General John A. Logan who was the commander and chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (a veterans group comprised of former Union Army soldiers) after the end of the Civil War on May 5, 1868.

In the order, Logan called for the decorating of graves of soldiers who died in defense of the country. Those graves were in every community across the country. The ceremonies would be conducted by soldiers with testimonials and other actions deemed appropriate.

"We are organized, as our regulation tells us, for the purpose of preserving and strengthening those kinds of fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors and Marines who united to suppress the late rebellion (the Civil War)," he read. "We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance.

"Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the nation's gratitude -- the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan."

Army veteran and WVU-P student James Cayton gave the invocation where he prayed for those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the nation.

"We pray their sacrifices are never forgotten," he said. "We acknowledge that freedom comes at a cost and pray we can pursue peace."

WVU-P President Torie Jackson said she hopes people will remember the purpose of Memorial Day, to honor those who have fallen while serving our country.

"I think it is important we continue to remember," she said. "I am proud we are one of the top schools in the country to serve veterans and we want to continue that and help those who served our country be able to find a new purpose when they return from their service and find a job that is fulfilling."

The scheduled keynote speaker, Lee Brown, had to cancel at the last moment as he was caring for a "veteran's widow" and Shearlock spoke on his behalf.

"Memorial Day is to remember the fallen and celebrate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and died defending our nation," he said.

He quoted a Norse poem talking about how kinsmen die and someday one's self will die.

"There is one thing I know that will never die and that is the fame of a dead man's deeds," Shearlock said. "When I think of all of our service members who have died so our nation can live.

"Not everyone has a book or movie made about them, but everyone did what they needed to do so we could have a free nation today."

Shearlock talked about the veterans who sacrificed and the next ones who will continue to sacrifice so this country will be free.

"With their blood, we have an umbrella that will shield us from our foes and protect us … and insure we will always be free," he said.

He asked people that as they enjoy time with family and friends this weekend to remember those who made it possible.

"Take a minute, take a prayer, take a moment of silence and remember the real reason we do this," Shearlock said.

Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com

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