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Honoring Those "Who Gave All".

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Reporter: Todd Baucher, Jonathan Kennedy

Parkersburg's American Legion Post 15 held its annual Memorial Day observances at City Park Monday.

A wreath was laid at the memorial to Wood County's World War II fallen soldiers.

Parkersburg Mayor Bob Newell and Wood County Sheriff Jeff Sandy were among the featured speakers.

And the sister of a Vietnam veteran is among those who hasn't missed this observance in decades.

"Since 1970, I'm always here," said Ruth Rexroad. "I never miss a time."

One tradition of the annual ceremony is the reading of the names of the members of Post 15 who have died during the past 12 months.

Belpre's observance featured an area veteran of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The program was presented by Leavitt Funeral Home and American Legion Post 495.

The featured speaker was a member of the 1092nd Engineer Battalion, who said Memorial Day is not a day to discuss the nation's differences over its recent wars.

"Memorial Day is not about division; it's about reconciliation," said Sgt. First Class Brad Maston. "It's about coming together to honor those who have given their all."

On display was the "Soldier's Cross", originally used to mark the burial of soldiers' remains near battlefields...and, more recently, used by soldiers who could not attend the funerals of their comrades who lost their lives in combat.

Williamstown held its annual Memorial Day parade Monday.

The parade started in Tomlinson Park. Dozens of veterans and citizens marched their way to Riverview Cemetery to hold a special ceremony in honor of our military heroes.