West Virginia National Guard supports rededication of Veterans Memorial

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Phyllis E. Keith
  • 130th Airlift Wing
CHARLESTON, W.Va. --  Over 80 members of the West Virginia Air and Army National Guard turned out to witness the rededication of the Veterans Memorial at the State Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., Nov. 10, 2009, the day before Veterans Day.

Lt. Col. David Rabel, Deputy Wing Commander of the 130th Airlift Wing, remarked, "It is a privilege and an honor to be here on this holiday to recognize the sacrifices of all of our American veterans."

Governor Joe Manchin thanked veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces on behalf of all West Virginians.

The memorial, originally dedicated on Veterans Day in 1995, was damaged in 2007 when a drunk driver crashed into it.

Following the ceremony, a local NBC affiliate interviewed Lt.Col. Jody Richmond, 130th Airlift Wing Plans Officer, who expressed his appreciation for the continued support of state leaders and citizens of West Virginia.

The memorial consists of four limestone monoliths surrounded by a reflecting pool. The names of more than 10,000 West Virginians who died during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are inscribed in black granite on the interior walls.