Photo by Shelley Hanson

John Powell holds the bouquet to be cast into the Ohio River while Taps is played. Also shown is Michelle Powell, president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1.

WHEELING – The annual American Legion Post 1 Memorial Day Service was held Monday at Veterans Amphitheater in Wheeling on Monday, featuring guest speaker Steven Novotney.

Novotney, a Wheeling resident and journalist, talked about what it was like to have his son, Michael Novotney, serve in the Middle East for five years during three tours of duty. He was introduced by his son who was part of the service’s ceremonies.

Every time a news broadcast mentioned the deaths of unnamed soldiers in the 101st Airborne, Novotney said he and wife Michelle prayed that their son was not one of them.

“That could have been Michael; we didn’t know,” he said. “They didn’t give names. They didn’t give companies. They didn’t give regiments. We prayed and we prayed that we wouldn’t get that phone call.”

One time while living in Pittsburgh after hearing one of those reports, Novotney said he received a knock on the door by men in uniform. He was so scared that it was service members arriving to give him word of his son’s death that he was afraid to answer the door. Instead, it turned out to be people selling jars of jelly for the local sheriff’s department.

“I called the sheriff. They didn’t do that anymore,” Novotney said. “But we were lucky and at that time we were very, very proud and we still are. Not only of Michael’s sacrifice, but that our country at that time was still free, and we’re proud today because we’re still free.”

Novotney also talked about reminding people what the true meaning of the Memorial Day holiday is – remembering and honoring the military members who died in service to keep the United States free for all.

The American Legion Post 1 Memorial Day Service’s master of ceremonies was Robert Joseph. Robert Dodrill sang the National Anthem. Spencer Curry of VFW Post 4442 in Elm Grove gave the invocation and benediction. Pat Stephens led the Pledge of Allegiance. John Powell gave the message of thanks. Gerald “Wally” McMasters of VFW Post 4442 Elm Grove explained the POW MIA Table ceremony as it took place.

Tom Abel talked about the Legion’s “Be The One” initiative to help save veterans contemplating suicide. Veterans, he said, have a 50% higher rate of suicide than the general population. He said people can help by reaching out to veterans, checking on their well being and getting them professional help as well. He said people can help the veterans call the 988 suicide hotline.

“Even better is if you watch them make the call,” Abel said, adding to also follow up with them.

Michelle Powell, president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1, talked about the Flanders Field poem. Musical pieces played throughout the ceremony included the “Salute to Service,” “God Bless the USA,” “Old Glory,” “Some Gave All” and “Alleluia.”

Taps was played as a bouquet of flowers was cast into the Ohio River by John Powell to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.