Centennial Doughboy Ceremony Honors Fallen Heroes And Unites Community

(Photos courtesy of Trista Dalton)

Last Saturday, November 4, the community of came together to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the installation of the iconic Doughboy statue, a solemn tribute to the sacrifices made during World War I and a reminder of the courage and valor of those who served in that conflict and subsequent wars. The Doughboy statue, one of many across the nation, has stood as a symbol of honor and remembrance for a century.

The ceremony took place at the Courthouse Square, where a large crowd gathered to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers of WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Iraq War. Speakers at the event included Judge Allan Moats, Mike Rexroad from Philippi Post 44, and Secretary of State Mac Warner, who delivered heartfelt addresses that emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring our veterans and their sacrifices. Barbour County Commissioner Jedd Schola was in charge of ringing the Honor Bell, while three-volley salute was performed by the members of Belington Post 96.

The highlight of the ceremony was the reading of the names of the fallen soldiers from the aforementioned wars. With each name that resonated through the crowd, a red carnation was placed at the base of the statue, creating a poignant and visually striking tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This emotional act was carried out by Barbour County Belle Judy Boylen and Miss County, Taylor Paige Skidmore, representing the enduring spirit of remembrance and gratitude that unites the community.

The Philip Barbour High School Band donned their show uniforms for this special occasion, providing a moving musical backdrop to the proceedings. Additionally, musical performances were delivered by TJ Dalton, the BMS Band director, and Hayden Dalton, an eighth grader from Belington Middle School and a Cadet Airman with the Civil Air Patrol. The music added depth and meaning to the ceremony, evoking a sense of unity and reverence among the attendees.

The ceremony drew several hundred people, including the families of the fallen soldiers, who stood together to honor their loved ones' legacies. It was a somber yet powerful event, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made by those who served in wars past and present.

As the ceremony concluded, the sky was filled with red, white, and blue balloons, symbolizing the hope, unity, and freedom that our veterans have fought so valiantly to protect. The release of these balloons was a fitting conclusion to a day of reflection, gratitude, and shared purpose.

The centennial Doughboy Ceremony serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. It was a day of remembrance, unity, and gratitude, a testament to the community's commitment to keeping the memory of our heroes alive for generations to come.