(Photo by Brett Dunlap) G. Allen Wood Jr. of Parkersburg who served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1987-2002 and was an Honorably Discharged Disabled Veteran was the featured speaker Monday during the Parkersburg Veterans Day Ceremony at City Park. Many area veterans and their families as well as community members attended the ceremony to honor those who served in the military.

PARKERSBURG — Veterans have sacrificed to protect the freedoms of this country and the country cannot forget those sacrifices, the guest speaker said Monday at the Veterans Day Ceremony at City Park.

G. Allen Wood Jr. of Parkersburg, who served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1987-2002 and was an Honorably Discharged Disabled Veteran, spoke to the gathering of veterans, their families and others who came to the park to honor those who served in the military.

“Your service has helped keep our country and its citizens safe and free,” Wood said, adding thanks to their families who supported and sacrificed so their loved ones could serve.

Wood talked about the wars the United States has been involved in and all the veterans who had served in war and peace to defend this country.

“We honor all of our nation’s veterans who laid their lives on the line for our freedom,” he said. “Those men and women, ordinary people like all of us who answered the call and left their families, homes and their lives, not for recognition or fame. They fought to protect our country and helped us maintain our way of life.”

Wood served in several combat deployments as well as served in a number of roles around the world. He now works in the Parkersburg Service Office of the Department of Veterans Assistance.

The annual Parkersburg Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony had a parade coming down Washington Avenue with various participants, representing JROTC programs, veterans’ groups, high school marching bands and others.

Many veterans came to the park dressed in shirts, jackets and hats highlighting which branch of the military they served in. Many also had family members attending with them. The Parkersburg High School, Parkersburg South High School and the Williamstown High School played the National Anthem and the Armed Forces Salute Melody. There was also a flyover by a military helicopter. Parade Grand Marshal Charles Wallbrown led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Wood commended all of the veterans who were present for their service, but also the ones who struggled after their service.

He talked about how 22 veterans a day succumb to suicide due to a number of factors and stress. Veterans have a 50% higher suicide rate than the rest of the population, he said.

Everyone needs to look at the needs of veterans different than was done in the past to help prevent these suicides.

“It takes courage to ask for help and to seek help,” Wood said.

There is also a higher rate of homeless veterans and one way to combat that is for employers to hire veterans, he said. Many have also served in dangerous situations and have the health effects of that service.

“It is up to us to make sure they have access to high quality health care and benefits to match their sacrifice,” Wood said. “Veterans Day is not just a day for veterans, it is for all of us Americans, it is a day to remember why they were fighting and a day for all of us to begin our journey in protecting our freedom for future generations.”

Wreaths were laid by the American Unit 15 Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars 1212 Auxiliary, SP Women’s Club, the James Wood Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Blennerhassett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and the American Legion Unit 159 Auxiliary.

A proclamation from West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice was read detailing the importance of the service of all who served in the military.

“Whereas, the greatest acknowledgment of our freedom is to honor our own veterans who have sacrificed and in many instances paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” the proclamation said. “Whereas, the great state of West Virginia recognizes and respects its over 140,000 veterans for their contribution for our freedoms and security.

“Whereas, the men and women of our armed forces continue to be an inspiration to all of us through their demonstration of courage, leadership and commitment in service to our country.”

Vienna Mayor Randy Rapp read the Veterans Day Proclamation on behalf of the local mayors, including Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce, Williamstown Mayor Paul Jordan, Belpre Mayor Susan Abdella and Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher.

“Throughout the history of our nation our men and women in uniform risk their lives to protect the interests of our country and protect our freedoms,” Rapp read. “Whereas, Americans throughout the United States continue to live out in freedom due to the contributions and sacrifices made by those who have served and those who continue to serve.

“Whereas these sacrifices were also made by the family members who support these men and women to preserve the freedom that exists in this great nation. On this Veterans Day we are forever indebted to the service members who have fought and died in defense of this great country.”