BUCKHANNON – As a nation, we will come together Wednesday, Nov. 11 to celebrate Veterans Day – a day to honor those who have served the United States in war or peace, dead or alive.

Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their sacrifice and was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I.

City of Buckhannon Information Coordinator and Grant Writer Callie Cronin Sams said this year, the Buckhannon area Veterans Day Celebration will be lived-streamed online and broadcast on Channel 3 local access television for safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Frank B. Bartlett American Legion Post 7, Buckhannon VFW Post 3663 and the Upshur County Honor Guard will host a Veterans Day Program on Wednesday beginning at 11 a.m.,” Sams said. “Local Veterans organizations and the City of Buckhannon hope residents will watch the event online or on television. We hope families will take time to visit the Walk of Valor at Jawbone Park in Buckhannon or visit the Veterans Memorial at Heavner Cemetery at a time of their choosing.”

Sams added that while visiting the Walk of Valor at Jawbone Park or the Veterans Memorial and Memorial Wall at Heavner Cemetery, folks need to remember to please practice social distancing and wear a mask if there are others visiting from different households at the same time.

“Traditionally, there has been a Veterans Day Parade in Buckhannon, but it was determined, between the veterans themselves and being in such close proximity during a parade, they are higher at risk as well as those watching the parade,” Sams said. “So, it was determined for the health of the veterans and the community at large, to not do the parade.”

Sams said the city and veterans’ organizations do hope people will livestream the event and added that it is possible for folks who cannot watch the events as they happen to go back later in the day and watch them at their convenience.

Mary Albaugh, who is the American Legion Post Adjutant, said some ways to celebrate Veterans Day include make sure everyone displays their flag on Veterans Day.

“If people have children, they could teach them how to properly fold the flag and what the Pledge of Allegiance means,” Albaugh said. “Another idea would be to have a moment of silence to honor those who serve their country and learn about each different branch of the service.”

Albaugh said children could honor veterans by making cards and sending them to a VA Center, thanking a veteran for their service.

“Mainly, the real purpose of Veterans Day is honoring those who have served their country,” Albaugh said. “If it wasn’t for the veterans and every branch of the service, where would America be and what freedoms would not be available?”

To watch the livestream on Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/ch3buckhannon or visit Channel 3’s YouTube page here.

Be sure to celebrate Veterans Day and thanks to all those who have and are serving in the military and keeping the U.S. safe!