HONORING VETERANS — Follansbee Mayor Scott McMahon presented to Delbert Campbell, a Navy veteran who served during the Cold War, a banner recognizing his military service. It was one of nine new banners honoring local veterans unveiled at a program Wednesday at the Follansbee Community House that will be added to many others hanging above Main Street. -- Warren Scott

FOLLANSBEE — With Veterans Day just days away, city officials on Wednesday continued a tradition of honoring local residents for their military service during various eras with the hanging of banners bearing their names and faces along Main Street.

Veterans and their families gathered at the Follansbee Community House for the presentation of nine new banners by Mayor Scott McMahon, who was assisted by Georgia Georgetti-Cunningham, Mickie Diserio and Mary Ann Atwell.

McMahon said he was honored to recognize the veterans for their willingness to serve their country,noting as a community, residents have celebrated their returns while also mourning those who did not.

He added many veterans, following their discharge, became active members of the community, serving others in various ways.

Participants included members of the Ohio Valley Veterans Memorial Squad, who have paid military tribute to many local veterans at their funerals.

The Rev. Joe Cuomo of the Follansbee Christian Assembly also offered prayers for those who have served and those who have supported them.

As in the past, the new banners will replace older ones among the present 68, with the older ones to be presented to the families of veterans who have sponsored them.

Each bears the name and photo of a veteran and brief details of the military branch and conflict or era in which he or she served.

During the presentation, the veterans or family members of deceased veterans had an opportunity for photos with the banners while receiving a certificate from the city recognizing their service and a copy of the photo seen on the banner.

In past years, 30 or more banners were unveiled in one evening.

This year, there were nine.

The most recent honorees are: Hartzel Brady, Robert Bucklew and Loreto “Larry” Venditt, who all served in the Army during the Vietnam War; Delbert Campbell, who served in the Navy during the Cold War; William “Sonny” Dawson, who served in the Air Force during the Korean War; Anthony J. Rocini, a Navy World War II veteran; Donald Salakovich, who served in the Army Air Force, a precursor to the Air Force during World War: Joseph Settimio, an Army World War II veteran; and Harold Charlie Wright, who served in the Navy during the Korean War.

The sight of the veterans as young men in the uniforms worn in their times drew smiles and a few tears from those in attendance as some were reminded of their younger days and others felt the absence of a deceased family member.

“I didn’t realize how old I’d gotten until I saw my picture,” said Brady.

He said the practice of acknowledging the community’s military veterans is a good one because it both expresses appreciation to those who served and reflects the importance of that service for all generations.

“I think it’s a great thing for everybody,” said Brady.

Campbell, who was an aviation support equipment mechanic aboard an aircraft carrier from 1983 to 1987, was able to look back fondly on his time in uniform.

He said his uncle had served in the Navy, inspiring him to do the same.

“I wanted to join and see the world,” he said, noting his service took him to waters near Italy, France, Spain and England.

For a time following his discharge, he applied the skills he’d learned to a job as a diesel mechanic for a trucking company before moving to Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, where he worked for 33 years.

“I enjoyed it. I got everything out of it I thought I would. I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” said Campbell.

Family members of Wright — including his sister, Bella — explained they were there on his behalf because he’s currently living in a nursing home in Waynesboro,Va., where he moved following a long career in the Navy.

They said Wright had attended Bethany College and West Virginia University, where he earned a degree in engineering, before entering the Navy.

Ultimately, he retired as a captain after 20 years in the Navy Reserve while his engineering skills led to work with NASA and a long career with General Electric, they said.

While addressing the attendees, McMahon encouraged everyone to support the nation’s veterans, to hear their stories and ensure they’re not forgotten.