POMEROY, Ohio — Hundreds of people lined the streets of Pomeroy Saturday to watch a parade recognizing veterans, remembering those who were prisoners of war and missing in action, and reflecting with appreciation on the military’s role in keeping America safe.

Many area military organizations were represented in the parade including the American Legion, Sons of the American Revolution, Veterans of Foreign Wars, vehicles from the 3664th Maintenance Co., the AmVets, the Army National Guard, and the Sons of Union Veterans.

Also participating were bands from Eastern High School and Wirt County, W.Va., along with local businesses, churchs, and patriotic and community organizations, as well as individuals with personal tributes.

Riding in open convertibles were two women — POW Jessica Lynch of Wirt County, W. Va. and Lt. Col. Jennifer Menchini-Kirby, commander of the 12nd Aeromedical Evacuation’s Squadron, Delaware Air National Guard — whose patriotic impact and dedication to their country has been felt across the nation.

Lynch was the grand marshal of the parade and spoke briefly at the program which followed. She told the story of the ambush in which she was injured, of her captivity by the Iraqi military, and her eventual release. She said knowing the love and prayers going on in her behalf back home gave her the courage and strength to go on.

Pomeroy native Lt. Col Menchini Kirby talked about her 25-year role as a nurse airlifting injured American servicemen, including those in Iraq and Afghanistan. She stressed the importance of letting our service men and women know there is “someone back home who cares and that they are not being forgotten.” She spoke on the importance of care packages and keeping in touch with those who are out there defending our country.

Menchini-Kirby presented Tom Anderson, commander of Drew Webster Post 39, American Legion, which planned the veteran recognition and POW/MIA remembrance event, an American flag which was flown over Iraq on Dec. 8, 2002.

Flowers and flags were presented to the Turner and Jones families who lost sons in the Iraqi war. The flag to Dottie Turner, the mother of Clinton Turner, was presented by Sen. Jimmy Stewart, 20th District, while the Rev. James Acree accepted the flag, presented by Rep. Debbie Phillips, 92nd District, for the family of Josh Jones.

Featured at the appreciation and remembrance program was a fly-over of F-16 fighter aircraft of the 178 Fighter Wing of the Ohio National Guard. Darren Band of Guysville and Nick Bush of Middleport were the crew chiefs for the fly-over of the planes piloted by Col. Craig Wallace, and Lt. Col. Steve Balsevak. They made three passes over the village to the delight of those attending the celebration.

The event concluded with a POW program by Mason, W. Va., Stewart Johnson VFW, a gun salute by Drew Webster Post’s honor guard, taps and the placing of a wreath in remembrance of all serving in the military on the Ohio River.

Patriotic music was presented by the Eastern Band, the River Blend Quartet, and Sharon Hawley during the program emceed by Legionnaire Joe Struble.