New space dedicated to veterans at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery

One of the longest-running ceremonies in Parkersburg honored our nation's fallen heroes.

Veterans and families gathered for the 63rd annual Memorial Day ceremony at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery in south Parkersburg Saturday.

This year, the cemetery unveiled its new Garden of Allegiance and Honor dedicated just for fallen veterans and their spouses.

Veterans stress this holiday weekend is about honoring those vets that did not make it home.

"Having known men that didn't come home, it's kind of a special weekend," guest speaker, veteran and commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt said, "and particularly Memorial Day, the day that we actually honor them but it's nice to do it all weekend long so we really make sure that we remember those folks."

"Now that we've opened this new garden strictly for veterans and their spouses," cemetery general manager Dwight Ullman said, "it's an honor for us to be able to serve the veterans as they come to us."

This year, around 30 students from Parkersburg South High School placed over 1,000 flags on the graves of veterans at the cemetery.

Original story at:  https://www.wtap.com/content/news/New-space-dedicated-to-veterans-at-spouses-at-Sunset-Memory-Gardens-Cemetery-510429081.html?jwsource=em

‍