Published: November 11, 2008 08:34 pm      

Region pays tribute to area veterans

WELCH — From Welch to Princeton, thousands paused Tuesday to honor and pay tribute to the region’s veterans.

In McDowell County, hundreds lined the streets of downtown Welch as part of the city’s 89th annual Veterans Day parade sponsored by the American Legion Post No. 8 in Welch. Maj. Gen. Allen E. Tackett of the West Virginia Army National Guard delivered the keynote address in Welch following the parade.

The annual gathering in Welch is one of the oldest Veterans Day parades in the country, according to Charles Honaker, adjutant of the American Legion Post No. 8.

In Mercer County, hundreds also lined Mercer Street for the city’s annual Veterans Day Parade.

The weather cooperated for the parades in both Princeton and Welch with cool but clear conditions.

A large crowd also was on hand Tuesday for the annual Veterans Day dinner at the National Guard Armory in Brushfork. Veterans of all branches of the armed forces were invited to attend the dinner.

A breakfast for veterans was held earlier in the day in Bluefield, Va.

Area schools also celebrated Veterans Day Tuesday with patriotic programs.

Princeton Middle School sponsored a free concert with a Veterans Day theme, and students at Abbs Valley-Boissevain Elementary School held their an annual Veterans Day program in Tazewell County.

– Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com