WEST LIBERTY – Citizens of West Liberty solemnly remembered fallen veterans at the 2016 Memorial Day Parade and ceremony on Monday.

The parade began at the old high school and traveled to the Town Hall where a ceremony took place with American Legion Post Commander Larry Lance as the emcee. The grand marshal of this year’s parade was Purple Heart Vietnam vet John “Duke” Smith.

The speaker was Dan Bratka, who spoke of growing up in West Liberty and of those who went to war and ultimately gave their all. The parade continued up the hill to the Veterans Memorial at Fairview Cemetery. The ceremony included a moment of silence, a 21-gun salute and “Taps” played by a West Liberty-Salem band member.

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NORTH LEWISBURG – Also on Monday, Boy Scouts and the Triad High School band helped the community mark Memorial Day. The scouts placed flowers at a flag representing each conflict America has been involved in during Monday’s ceremonies.

In North Lewisburg, Boy Scouts place flowers at a flag representing each conflict America has been involved in during Monday’s ceremonies.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/05/web1_Boy-Scout-Placing-Flower.jpgIn North Lewisburg, Boy Scouts place flowers at a flag representing each conflict America has been involved in during Monday’s ceremonies. Tim Wilson | Contributed photo

West Liberty Memorial Parade was held on Monday in the village.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/05/web1_wl-parade.jpgWest Liberty Memorial Parade was held on Monday in the village. Tami Wenger | For Civitas Media

North Lewisburg held a ceremony on Memorial Day to honor the sacrifices for freedom.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/05/web1_N-L-Memorial-Day-1.jpgNorth Lewisburg held a ceremony on Memorial Day to honor the sacrifices for freedom. Tim Wilson | Contributed photo

Grand Marshal and Purple Heart recipient Vietnam veteran John “Duke” Smith is pictured during Monday’s ceremony.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/05/web1_john-smith-purple-heart.jpgGrand Marshal and Purple Heart recipient Vietnam veteran John “Duke” Smith is pictured during Monday’s ceremony. Tami Wenger | For Civitas Media

Dan Bratka delivers the keynote address in West Liberty on Monday.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/05/web1_dan-bratka.jpgDan Bratka delivers the keynote address in West Liberty on Monday. Tami Wenger | For Civitas Media