Response to the inaugural Ogden Classic Torch Run continues to be strong. Local residents are reminded they can be a part of the event, slated to begin, rain or shine, at 4:30 p.m. Friday May 23, in the Osiris Shrine parking lot in Elm Grove. Carrying the torch will be local veterans, Wheeling Park High School students (winners of the essay contest), city officials and West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin. Veterans and members of their families can participate for free. No sign-up is required, and participants can wear hats and carry flags and banners. Oglebay Park will be providing its little red trolley as a sweep vehicle and alternate transportation for any participants who either believe they can’t cover the distance without assistance or who attempt to cover the distance without assistance or who attempt to cover the distance and discover they need to ride to the finish line.

Veterans who served between 1991 and the present are asked to arrive at the bottom of Wheeling Hill at 5:00 p.m. to join the procession. Veterans who served between 1960 and 1990 should join in at the top of Wheeling Hill; 1950-1959 should join in at Stone Boulevard historical marker; and those serving in 1949 and before should join the procession at Lincoln School. All veterans who served before 1991 are asked to arrive at their respective locations at 5:15 p.m.

In attendance will be the 249 th Army National Guard Band. WO-4 Tom Goff is the director of the band. They will be at the finish line around 6:00 p.m. Friday night to join in with the various military activities including the various military music and culminating with taps.

Bring your flags and cheers. Support the troops!!

This is a general invitation to the public to support the military with your wardrobe, cheers, signs, banner, or whatever patriotic symbol you wish to share in celebration of Memorial Day. You can participate on the entire Torch Relay route.

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