A member of VFW 1212 salutes after placing a wreath in City Park on Tuesday during Parkersburg’s Veterans Day event. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

PARKERSBURG — Despite the low temperature Tuesday, spirits were high as people gathered along Washington Avenue and City Park for Parkersburg’s Veterans Day Parade and ceremony.

Chad Conley, master of ceremonies, said the turnout was better than he expected with the cold morning.

“It was great to see everyone come out and honor our veterans,” he said.

Conley said Veterans Day means more to him than any other holiday.

“Veterans Day is a time to reflect,” Conley said. “And to remember the freedoms that we share were secured by those that were and are willing to stand up, serve and sacrifice for our country.”

People lined up along Washington Avenue on Tuesday during the Parkersburg Veterans Day Parade. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

The parade featured the bands from Parkersburg South, Williamstown and Parkersburg High School and the schools joined together to perform the National Anthem.

The parade also saw members of the Parkersburg South and Parkersburg High School JROTCs, the Salvation Army and members of the Parkersburg police and fire departments. It was led by Grand Marshal Vernon Dellinger.

Dellinger served as an engineer in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in Okinawa, where he built roads and bridges. He returned to the Parkersburg area after military service and continued his career as an engineer.

He was also recognized and honored by Women Veterans Program Administrator, and former prisoner of war, Jessica Lynch on behalf of the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance and the Department of Education.

Lynch introduced PHS Principal Jason Potts who presented Dellinger with a diploma he missed out on during the war.

U.S. Army PFC and prisoner of war Jessica Lynch introduced Vernon Dellinger as the Grand Marshal of the Parkersburg Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday. Dellingger, who is a 104-year-old World War II veteran, was also given an honorary diploma by Parkersburg High School Principal Jason Potts. Dellinger dropped out of high school to join the war effort. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

“Mr. Dellinger, at the age of 18, had that calling to serve his country and unfortunately he left high school,” Potts said. “I have the privilege today, at the age of 104, to present Vernon Dellinger with his high school diploma.”

Conley said this was the highlight of his day.

“It was very humbling to be on the same stage as a 104-year-old WWII veteran that is a part of the greatest generation,” Conley said.

The day was completed by a speech from guest speaker Dr. Caleb Perkins.

Perkins completed several combat deployments and held the role of section leader in the 75th Ranger Regiment. During his service, Perkins was recognized with numerous honors, including the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal three times. He also received the Army Achievement Medal four times, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (twice with campaign stars), the Iraqi Campaign Medal and other distinctions.

Dr. Caleb Perkins, retired U.S. Army, was the guest speaker on Tuesday during the Parkersburg Veterans Day events at City Park. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

“I want to thank everyone that has come out here this afternoon, and also thank all the veterans for their service to this nation,” Perkins said.

He urged former and current service members to see their commitment as ongoing.

“Your service doesn’t end with that contract. It continues into your communities,” Perkins said. “As veterans, you have so many skills that you have learned in the military… leadership, discipline, working together as a team, and overcoming adversity. Those skills are vital for your community at all times. … Build people up, encourage them, so we can be an effective fighting force together.”

Douglass Huxley can be reached at dhuxley@newsandsenitnel.com

People lined Washington Avenue on Tuesday during Parkersburg’s Veterans Day Parade. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

A group of kids gather candy on Tuesday during the Parkersburg Veterans Day Parade. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)