Captain Sue Rhymer details her time in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps at Tuesday afternoon’s Veterans Day Celebration in Vienna. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

VIENNA — Dozens of veterans, families and community members gathered Tuesday afternoon at Spencer’s Landing for the annual Veterans Day Celebration at the Gold Star Memorial in the park, honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The ceremony opened with the posting of colors, the National Anthem performed by Erica Vincent, and an invocation from Pastor Brian Leversee of Fellowship Baptist Church, who offered prayers for service members past and present.

“We’re so thankful for the men and women who’ve given their lives for our freedom,” Leversee said. “I pray for those still fighting today, and for those who have served valiantly and carry scars and memories that only they can know.”

Vienna Mayor Chad Emrick welcomed attendees and shared a joint proclamation signed by mayors throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley declaring Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. The proclamation encouraged residents to display the American flag and honor those who have served.

“Americans continue to live in freedom because of the sacrifices made by those who have served and those who continue to serve,” Emrick read from the proclamation. “We reflect upon the enormous contributions made to our country by our fallen heroes and pay tribute to a new generation of men and women who have chosen to serve.”

Pastor Brian Leversee of Fellowship Baptist Church leads attendees at the Veterans Day Celebration at Spencer’s Landing in Vienna in prayer. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The Parkersburg Women’s Club conducted a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial, honoring Gold Star families and fallen service members.

Captain Sue Rhymer, who spoke at the event, detailed her service: five years in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, including a tour in Vietnam at an evacuation hospital. She was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service, a Vietnam Service Medal, and a National Defense Medal from the United States, as well as a Vietnam Service Medal from the government of Vietnam.

Introducing her, Emrick noted that Rhymer once said her time as an Army nurse “was the best nursing that she ever did.”

In addition to her military service, Rhymer has spent her life serving her community as a nurse and manager of the Good Samaritan Food Pantry.

The ceremony concluded with a cannon salute by Carlin’s Battery D 1st WV Light Artillery and an invitation for attendees to enjoy refreshments and mingle.

Vienna Mayor Chad Emrick welcomes attendees to Vienna’s Veterans Day Celebration at Spencer’s Landing. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com

Carlin’s Battery D 1st WV Light Artillery fires its ceremonial cannon at Vienna’s Veterans Day Celebration at Spencer’s Landing. (Photo Provided)