BUCKHANNON – Viewers of the local Veterans Day Parade on Thursday saw a familiar sight in the parade. That was the appearance of the American Legion Buckhannon Post 7 baseball team walking in it waving American flags.

The idea for the team to walk in the parade came from current general manager of the Post 7 baseball team Kevin Boring, when he took control of the team in 2017.

“Being part of the parade is something we have been a part of since I started as general manager/head coach,” confirmed Boring. “I just felt early on the boys needed to understand there is more to this team than what is done on the field and that some things are bigger than them individually.”

“It also gives them a taste of real-life experiences and to help them understand how important our veterans and veteran community are,” he added. “Without our veterans and their selfless sacrifices and the sacrifices of their families, we couldn’t do many things that we have the luxury of doing today, including playing baseball.”

Boring has also made a renewed effort of integrating the local Post 7 veterans with member of his baseball team both on and off the diamond.

“I just think we can learn so much from the Post 7 veterans,” stated Boring. “We have helped put up the banners at Jawbone Park before, had the veteran recognition ceremony at the games and walked in the parade. I have other ideas to get the boys and our veterans together as well. Our veterans are a great resource for our players, just having our guys talk to the veterans and listen to what our veterans are saying is a win for them. I also think it is something many of our veterans enjoy doing as well.”

Boring said it’s an important message for his team learn of the sacrifices that local veterans have made for this country.

“It’s very important and I do think the message gets though to the players,” remarked Boring. “We talk a lot about it throughout the season and off-season workouts. Even after the ceremony at Jawbone Park today about that exact thing. I thought Mayor (Robbie) Skinner and Reverend (Jerry) Murrell’s words in the ceremony were spot on. We talked to the boys after the ceremony about words like respect, loyalty, dedication and valor. We talked about the importance of our players continuing this tradition of uplifting our military and service personnel as they continue to go on with their lives as young adults.”

Post 7 had a ‘special guest’ walk with the team today as former Buckhannon-Upshur and Post 7 player Zach White joined them. White, a 2021 graduate of B-UHS, just finished basic training with the Marines and was home on leave.

“I am so proud of him and the journey he is beginning,” concluded Boring. “I am also proud of our players that participated today.”