|
|
|
|
2011 Dedication DinnerThe 2011 Dedication dinner and dance for the Brooke County Veterans Memorial Park was atremendous success. There were around 500 tickets sold for the event and the evening was filled with warmth and honor for the veterans of the county.  West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin delivered the keynote address, honoring the contributions of all the veterans of West Virginia. His speech culminated with a tribute to Annabelle Coulter Hayward, the 2011 Brooke County Veteran of the year. 
Captain Hayward served as an Army nurse during World War II and saw her first active duty at Normandy beach just days after the invasion. Wading ashore in waist deep water, she immediately went to work caring for the wounded and setting up a medical evac unit to see to the needs of those who followed.As part of a medical evac unit she cared for soldiers with chest and stomach wounds. One of her patients was WV State Senator John Chernenko who attributes her with saving his life. Senator Chernenko was on hand at the dinner to offer a tribute to Captain Hayward. 
The Brooke County Veterans Park Foundation was formed after the death of Michael J. Smith Jr. His father was on hand to recieve a plaque in his honor
A new artist's rendering of the site for the Memorial for Brooke County's veterans was available for everyone to see.
|
| ........... Military Traditions Explained ........... Local Veterans Stories ................... Map ........... Disclaimer |