PAW PAW, W.Va. — A light drizzle didn’t dampen the Memorial Day spirit in tiny Paw Paw as the 66th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade wound through town and dozens of community organizations, scouts, churches, and veterans paraded through a route lined with neighbors.
The rain canceled the annual car show and kept some of the crafters and vendors at home but the town still showed up to honor its military service. “Thank you!” could be heard as veterans, fire fighters, police, and dispatch, including local celebrity dog Reggie, who makes his home with the Morgan County 911 Dispatch crew made their way down the winding parade route..
Although rain was in the forecast for most of the day for the Morgan County town, there was a bit of a reprieve around 1 p.m. when the parade stepped off.
This year, the West Virginia National Guard honored one of its own among the long line of other West Virginians who have given their full measure in service of the country. A statement from the West Virginia National Guard on this Memorial Day weekend read:
This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the true meaning of this solemn holiday and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
For the West Virginia National Guard, that remembrance is deeply personal. We honor Spc. Sarah Beckstrom’s service, sacrifice and the lasting impact she had on those who served beside her.
Spc. Beckstrom answered the call to serve and gave her life in the line of duty. Her courage, dedication and commitment to others reflect the enduring spirit of West Virginia and the highest ideals of our profession.
As we spend time with family and friends this weekend, we also remember those who are no longer with us, honor their Gold Star Families and carry forward their legacy through service, readiness and care for one another.
Memorial Day observances in the Eastern Panhandle continued Monday with a ceremony at War Memorial Park in Martinsburg at 11 a.m.
In Jefferson County, remembrance services were held at 11 a.m. at Edge Hill Cemetery, followed by lunch at the VFW. At 3 p.m.. a bugler from Jefferson High School ROTC playing Taps in front of the American Legion Jackson-Perks Charles Town Post #71.
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