For Immediate Release

Knights of Columbus and Town of Bath Mayor Honor Fallen Heroes at Fairfax Green Memorial Wreath-Laying

Bath, West Virginia – Community leaders and residents gathered at the historic Fairfax Green to pay tribute to the nation’s veterans in a solemn Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday, May 24.

Mayor Greg Schene, alongside Father Stephen Vallelonga of the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, and Colonel Larry Landon (United States Marine Corps, Retired), stood in solemn reflection as members of the St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus Council laid the wreaths to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States Armed Forces.

The annual ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the deep military heritage rooted within the Town of Bath and Morgan County. The historic Fairfax Green provided a reverent backdrop as the ceremonial wreaths were placed at the foot of the memorial monuments.

During the ceremony, Mayor Schene shared a deeply personal anecdote illustrating the sacrifice of military families. Schene spoke of his own great-grandfather, who was killed in action in France during World War I and now “rests peacefully alongside his comrades in an American Cemetery in England.”

“It is a distinct honor to stand alongside Father Steve, Colonel Landon, and our local Knights of Columbus to remember the selfless heroes who defended our freedom,” said Mayor Greg Schene. “Our community has a long and proud history of answering the call to service. Having a distinguished leader like Colonel Landon join us underscores the deep respect our town holds for those who wore the uniform. Coming together on Fairfax Green allows us to pause, reflect, and ensure that the legacy of our veterans is never forgotten.”

The St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus, a fraternal service organization dedicated to the core principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, played an integral role in coordinating the ceremonial presentation. Prior to the wreath-laying, Father Stephen Vallelonga offered a moving invocation, praying for the souls of the fallen, and the continued safety of active-duty service members deployed around the world.

The Town of Bath extends its deepest gratitude to the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, our local veterans, and all the community members who attended to help keep the memory of America’s heroes alive.

MEDIA CONTACT

Email: media@townofbathwv.gov

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