NITRO, W.Va. — The city of Nitro will dedicate its Living Memorial Park Saturday as part of its centennial anniversary.
The park will be at the corner of 21st Street and Second Avenue, and will serve as a reminder of Nitro's role in World War I. The park's features include a bronze World War I doughboy statue, a fountain, a stage and more than 300 engraved pavers honoring military veterans.
The city was founded in 1917 as a gunpowder manufacturing center for the war.
"Our city's heritage is tied to our military and the defense of freedom," Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt said in a statement. "It seems only fitting during this special year that our veterans and active-duty military be recognized. Our goal is to be sure future generations understand …show more content…
Riley, a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Coast Guard, became national commander of the organization in 2016.
"After World War I, disabled vets started coming back," he said. "They had disabilities and they weren't being treated right."
Riley, who is a quadruple amputee, said the organization was founded in 1920 to help those veterans get needed services and treatment.
"Nitro was created before the war, and we were created after the war," he mentioned. "Kind of cause and effect."
Nitro will also dedicate a new Wall of Fame at the park, which will honor former baseball pitcher Lou Burdette, former umpire Larry Barnett and award-winning country singer Kathy Mattea.
Barnett served as an umpire for 37 years, umpiring four World Series, five MLB All-Star Games and eight division championship series.
He is also an active volunteer with Disabled American Veterans. According to Barnett, he has visited every Veterans Affairs hospital in the country over a 41-year period.
"When I was umpiring, if I made a mistake toward their favorite team the night before, they would give me heck when I'd see them," he
The park will be at the corner of 21st Street and Second Avenue, and will serve as a reminder of Nitro's role in World War I. The park's features include a bronze World War I doughboy statue, a fountain, a stage and more than 300 engraved pavers honoring military veterans.
The city was founded in 1917 as a gunpowder manufacturing center for the war.
"Our city's heritage is tied to our military and the defense of freedom," Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt said in a statement. "It seems only fitting during this special year that our veterans and active-duty military be recognized. Our goal is to be sure future generations understand …show more content…
Riley, a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Coast Guard, became national commander of the organization in 2016.
"After World War I, disabled vets started coming back," he said. "They had disabilities and they weren't being treated right."
Riley, who is a quadruple amputee, said the organization was founded in 1920 to help those veterans get needed services and treatment.
"Nitro was created before the war, and we were created after the war," he mentioned. "Kind of cause and effect."
Nitro will also dedicate a new Wall of Fame at the park, which will honor former baseball pitcher Lou Burdette, former umpire Larry Barnett and award-winning country singer Kathy Mattea.
Barnett served as an umpire for 37 years, umpiring four World Series, five MLB All-Star Games and eight division championship series.
He is also an active volunteer with Disabled American Veterans. According to Barnett, he has visited every Veterans Affairs hospital in the country over a 41-year period.
"When I was umpiring, if I made a mistake toward their favorite team the night before, they would give me heck when I'd see them," he