Town of Bath, Office of the Mayor

Dear Veterans that call Bath and Morgan County home,

I write to you not only as Mayor, but as a neighbor and friend, with deep respect for the paths you have walked in service to our country. Here in Berkeley Springs, our history is rooted in the legacy of American service and leadership. George Washington returned to these springs throughout his life not merely for rest, but as a place to reflect on the weight of leading soldiers in the struggle for independence. We also honor General Daniel Morgan, whose bold leadership and frontier resilience helped secure our freedom. Their courage and sacrifice form part of our foundation—but it is you, the veterans that call Bath and Morgan County home, who carry that legacy forward today.

Many of you returned home to raise families, build businesses, and strengthen our town through service in our schools, churches, and civic organizations. Many have also continued your service through the Town of Bath Police Department and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, protecting our neighbors with the same dedication you brought to your military duty. Some of you bear the scars of war that are both seen and unseen. Some of our heroes are no longer with us, and we hold them in honored remembrance. My great-grandfather was killed in action during World War I and rests quietly among his comrades in an American cemetery in England, far from the sound of the guns—a personal reminder of the sacrifice and courage that generations of service members have given. Each of you is part of the living story of this town.

When the flag at the courthouse, and the flags placed with honor and care in our town park, move gently with the breeze, and when we solemnly lay a wreath at our war memorials, we are reminded of the freedoms you defended and the sacrifices that made them possible. Your service teaches us that freedom has a cost, that community is something we uphold together, and that courage continues long after the uniform is folded and set aside.

As Mayor, I want you to know this plainly: you are valued, appreciated, and deeply respected here—not only today, but every day. Our commitment as a town is to honor your service not just with words, but through meaningful actions that endure throughout the year.

With deep respect,
Mayor Greg Schene
Town of Bath

Letter can be seen printed in the Morgan Messenger, Letter to the Editors, published November 5th, 2025.

Link: Morgan Messenger