The Montgomery Herald, Montgomery, W.Va.

Local News

August 12, 2008

Rally to make stops in GB and Fayetteville

By Staff Reports

Originated in 2001 by Gov. Joe Manchin, the Summersville Freedom Rally is still going strong. According to www.summersvillefreedomrally.com, the governor was looking for a community to host a rally honoring not only the nation’s military troops, but also fire, rescue and police personnel who willingly put their lives in harm’s way every day.

“The Freedom Rally is our way to thank them for protecting all of the citizens of America and, specifically, West Virginia,” reads the Web site.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, participants in the 2008 rally will depart Summersville at 10 a.m., arrive at the Billy Giacomo Memorial Vista in Gauley Bridge at about 10:45 a.m., in Fayetteville at about noon, and in Richwood at about 2 p.m.

Summersville’s pride in its veterans, military and public service personnel — along with its central location and numerous roadways — made it a natural to host the event, organizers with the City of Summersville feel.

On Friday night, the event will begin with the J.J. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Poker Run at 4:30 p.m. The poker run will make various stops around Nicholas County. Its starting venue will be the Pioneer Inn, located on Rte. 41 six miles north of Summersville. Price is $10 per hand, and there will be door prizes.

Also on Saturday, music in downtown Summersville will begin at noon, featuring 12-year-old country singer Emily Kenner, the Everett Lilly Band and the Adam Young Band, as well as various vendors.

At 4 p.m., the Governor’s Parade will feature the W.Va. Army National Guard’s 821st Unit, which recently returned from Iraq, veterans, fire and rescue personnel, police and EMT personnel.

Flags will be raised at 4:30 p.m. by the Summersville VFW and Legion, and the Summersville Baptist Church’s children’s choir will sing patriotic songs. Following a welcome by Mayor Robert Shafer, representatives of Gov. Manchin and Adjutant General Allen Tackett of the W.Va. Army National Guard will speak, then the Blue Star Award will be unveiled. Live entertainment featuring the Adam Young Band will begin at 6 p.m.

For more information, visit www.summersvillefreedomrally.com or call 304-872-3722.

Text Only
Local News