Moundsville Veterans Guard Members Uphold Oath Amid Pandemic
Pandemic does not stop Veterans Day service
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MOUNDSVILLE --When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Ohio Valley, members of the Moundsville Veterans Guard vowed to continue to honor their fallen brothers and sisters.
"We took a vote when this first started to continue doing this," said member Larry Bloomfield, a Vietnam veteran having served with the Army 82nd Airborne Division and an ordained minister. "We still do funerals and programs.
"That's what we're here for. … We'd like to think that someone will do this for us one day, hopefully."
However, the Moundsville Veterans Honor Guard is like many veterans' organizations that are lacking in new members.
Bloomfield said some of the members are in their 90s.
Bloomfield said he understands that younger veterans are busy raising families and working but worries for the future of groups such as the honor guard.
As for this year’s Veterans Day, the honor guard will be making appearances at the Marshall County Courthouse and in Glen Dale Park where Boy Scout Kadein Minch will see his Eagle Scout project come to fruition. Minch's project includes the installation of new flag poles which will carry flags to honor each branch of the military. The honor guard is donating four of the flags, said honor guard spokesman Dave Schoenian.
"We will have a very brief program … only five of us are permitted to take part," Schoenian said.
Bloomfield said he believes it is appropriate to still observe Veterans Day in some fashion today.
"It's important, especially for West Virginians. West Virginia has always led the nation per capita among veterans who have served their country. We have always been the state that has provided more than its fair share willing to sacrifice their lives and time to serve their country," Bloomfield commented.
Bloomfield said the military service also has provided opportunities for veterans in the form of college opportunities and other programs. He said unfortunately many of them do not stay in West Virginia after obtaining their education.
"I volunteered and went to Vietnam and did my tour. I think it’s sad they have to keep sending troops four or five times for deployment," Bloomfield said. "As for the honor guard, we will be here for our brothers and sisters."