MORGANTOWN — For the first time in Morgantown, veterans, first responders and community members will gather for a 9/11 remembrance and resource fair.
The event, hosted by Valley HealthCare System, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Morgantown Armory, also known as the Morgantown Readiness Center, near the airport. The fair is free, open to the public and designed to honor local heroes and connect them with valuable resources.
“This is more than your typical resource fair where people just sit behind tables,” said Terry Vance, Veteran Partnership Coordinator-Peer Support Specialist. “We wanted something interactive, something people will never forget — a chance to honor 9/11 and also our local veterans and first responders who serve us every day.”
Organizations will be set up inside the armory offering information and services, while the outside grounds will be filled with vehicles from the Morgantown Police Department, Morgantown Fire Department, EMS and Cheat Lake Fire Department for an interactive experience.
The highlight of the day will come at 11 a.m. with a historic flag ceremony. For the first time, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Marine Corps League will join to display a massive 30-by-60-foot American flag.
“It’s going to take 40 to 50 of us just to hold it,” Vance said.
The ceremony will also feature the VA’s Veterans Guitar Program performing the national anthem in the style of Jimi Hendrix, appearances by the WVU Mountaineer and West Virginia Black Bears mascot, Cooper, and a tribute to 9/11’s call to “never forget.”
Other highlights include:
- Flying Higher, LLC raptor presentation featuring Freedom, a bald eagle, along with other birds of prey
- Free haircuts
- Guest speakers
Families are encouraged to attend. Vance emphasized the event is meant to honor sacrifice — from the heroes of 9/11 to those serving Morgantown today.
“When you see that flag stretched across the field, when you watch the ceremony, it’s going to be something you’ll never forget,” Vance said. “That’s what 9/11 has always been about — never forgetting.”
The Morgantown Armory is located at 90 Army Band Way.
