The West Virginia Department of Veteran's Assistance joined with the U.S. Navy to conduct a wreath laying ceremony in front of the West Virginia Veteran’s Memorial in Charleston, W. Va., during the first ever Charleston Navy Week. The wreath signifies the remembrance of all servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice throughout our nation’s history.

Medal of Honor recipient and World War II veteran Herschel “Woody” Williams and Dr. Sue Goodfellow, director of Energy & Environmental Readiness Division, laid the wreath during the ceremony.

“I am honored and emotionally moved when I am asked to lay a wreath in honor of those who sacrificed their lives, so many of them, so that we can serve and live in a free country,” Said Williams. The wreath is a symbol of respect, dedication and of actual love for those who have gone before.”

Goodfellow, who was also a keynote speaker at the ceremony, spoke about how moving the ceremony was how great of an honor it was to be part of it.

“I can’t begin to explain how moved I am to be a part of such a moving ceremony,” said Goodfellow. “Being able to represent the Navy at a ceremony like this, laying a wreath for those who made the greatest sacrifice that could be made, in the company of a man who gave so much to this country (Herschel “Woody” Wiliams), this ceremony means the world to me.”

The ceremony was in collaboration with the first ever Charleston Navy week, which consists of several events and gatherings that raise awareness and give the community an up-close look at what exactly their Navy is doing in the world today.

“I think Charleston Navy Week will bring a lot of awareness to this community,” said Dennis Davis, cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Veteran's Assistance. “It is important to recognize the contributions Sailors have made that contributed to the success and freedoms we have in this country, and there is not better time than Navy Week to do just that.”

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice also proclaimed Oct. 7-13 as Navy Week throughout the state of West Virginia during the ceremony.

“I just glad the Navy is here, in the great land-locked state of West Virginia, and I hope you come back again,” said Davis. “The Navy plays a big role in what we do and an even bigger part in the military initiative around the country. So thank you for your service and please, please come back.”

Charleston Navy Week is one of 14 Navy Weeks celebrated across the U.S. in 2019.

For more information about Charleston Navy Week, visit http://www.outreach.navy.mil.