WHEELING, W.Va. — The Wheeling Military Banner Program will continue its mission of honoring local service members who made the ultimate sacrifice through individual public remembrance ceremonies held throughout the community.
Since the program’s launch in November 2024, organizers have remained committed to ensuring that every known Wheeling native who was killed in action receives a dedicated public ceremony recognizing their life, service and sacrifice.
Unlike traditional memorial observances that honor all fallen service members collectively, the Wheeling Military Banner Program focuses on one individual at a time, providing family members, veterans, city leaders and community members the opportunity to gather and remember each hero by name.
The program recognizes Wheeling service members from all wars and eras, regardless of when they served or where they made the ultimate sacrifice. Whether they served during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan or other conflicts, each fallen hero is remembered by the community they called home. The Wheeling Military Banner Program is a collaborative effort involving the City of Wheeling, Wheeling American Legion Post #1, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #4442, the Moundsville Honor Guard and the Wheeling Military Banner Foundation, all working together to ensure that the service and sacrifice of Wheeling’s fallen heroes are never forgotten.
“Our goal is simple – to ensure that every fallen Wheeling service member is remembered as an individual, not just as a name in history,” said John Larch, volunteer with the Wheeling Military Banner Program. “These ceremonies give families, friends and community members a chance to honor their loved ones and preserve their legacy for future generations. As long as their names are known, their sacrifices will not be forgotten.”
Community members throughout the Ohio Valley are invited to attend the ceremonies and join in honoring hometown heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
“By gathering together, we ensure that those who sacrificed everything for our freedoms are remembered not only for their military service, but as sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors,” Larch said. “These events also serve as a reminder to families that their loved ones’ service and sacrifice continue to be honored and appreciated by a grateful community.”
To date, the upcoming Wheeling Military Banner Ceremonies include the following:
- Captain David Edward Van Camp
10 a.m., Thursday, June 18, near 154 Kruger Street
- Corporal Robert Fred Seitz
9:30 a.m., Friday, June 26, near 1241 Warwood Avenue
- Corporal Jacob Vossen
11 a.m., Friday, June 26, near 1805 Warwood Avenue
- Lance Corporal Gary Schubert
9:30 a.m., Thursday, July 9, 39th and Jacob Streets
- Private Raymond Latz
11 a.m., Thursday, July 9, 33rd and Jacob Streets
- Second Lieutenant William Neuman
9:30 a.m., Friday, July 10, Garden Park, Warwood
- Private Michael Paluch
10 a.m., Friday, July 17, 42nd and Jacob Streets
For additional information about the Wheeling Military Banner Program or upcoming ceremonies, please contact Larch by calling 304.281.8811, via email wheelingmilitarybannerprogram@gmail.com or visit the website at troopbanners.com/wheeling.
