RAVENSWOOD, W.Va. — A pause Sunday in Ravenswood for a Memorial Day service at Ravenswood Cemetery.
Pastor Christopher Skeens helped organize the service. He spoke with MetroNews affiliate WMOV Radio. He said it’s a community priority to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“It’s so important to remember those who have given so much—as far as even giving their very lives–for the cause of freedom. It’s our desire to remember them, to memorialize them,” Skeens said.
Jackson County native retired Navy veteran Jeffrey Elkins was the special speaker. He said Memorial Day represents a multiple of things but there’s one that outweighs them all.
“We know that schools are letting out, vacations are starting, there are family events all weekend long but we want to make sure that we take a little bit of time out to remember those who gave their lives for this country,” Elkins said. “It’s important that we remember that we are breathing freedom air.”
Elkins, who served 30 years in the Navy, is now giving back through the VFW.
“I had an opportunity to still serve and grasped on to that opportunity,” Elkins said.
Sunday ceremony included several special speakers, a wreath laying and participation from a local Boy Scout troop.