Mayor Robbie Skinner Speaks At Memorial Day Services

BUCKHANNON, WV: Mayor Robbie Skinner joined the Upshur County Honor Guard, which includes members of VFW Post 3663 and American Legion Post 7, as well as other community leaders and members, to honor the fallen heroes on this Memorial Day. The service took place at the Heavner Cemetery. Here are Mayor Skinner’s remarks:

Good afternoon,

Thank you all for being here today as we gather to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Memorial Day is not just the unofficial start of the “Summer Season”. It’s a solemn reminder of the cost of our freedom. It’s a time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by generations of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and guardians, who laid down their lives so that we can live ours in peace and liberty.

We see their legacy in the freedoms we enjoy, in the safety of our communities, and in the values that define us as a nation. Today, we don’t just remember their sacrifice—we recommit ourselves to being worthy of it.

To the families of the fallen: We recognize that Memorial Day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s personal. Your loss is immeasurable, and your courage, in the face of grief, inspires us all. Today, our community comes together to offer our deepest gratitude and respect.

As we lay wreaths, fly flags, and share moments of silence, let us remember that honoring the fallen is not just something we do today—it’s something we must carry with us every day: in how we treat each other, and how we give back and serve our community.

Let us never forget: freedom is not free. It’s paid for with the lives of heroes.

Thank you, and may God bless our fallen, their families, and the United States of America.

Sincerely,
Robbie Skinner
Mayor, City of Buckhannon