June 18, 2021

Manchin Wishes West Virginia A Happy 158th Birthday, Celebrates Dedication of Gold Star Families Monument

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) wished West Virginia a happy 158th birthday and celebrated the dedication of the Gold Star Families Monument in Charleston, West Virginia at the Capitol Complex.

West Virginia’s 158th Birthday:

“West Virginia’s story is made up of every West Virginian’s contributions to America and our great state. We have always answered the call. We have mined the coal that forged the steel that built the guns and ships that made our nation into the leader we are today. A West Virginian broke the sound barrier for the first time. A West Virginian did the math that put a man on the moon. And many West Virginians have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we hold dear. Every day, I am honored to represent the Mountain State and show the rest of the world what we already know – we are best when we work together. I encourage every West Virginian to take this weekend to celebrate how far our state has come and how far we will go. Happy 158th Birthday, West Virginia!”

Gold Star Families Monument Dedication:

“When visitors come to West Virginia, I jump at the chance to tell them we have more Veterans per capita than most any state in the nation. We have fought in more wars, shed more blood and lost more lives for the cause of freedom than most any state. As we come together this weekend, let us not forget the sacrifices made by the men and women who have come before us, the remarkable individuals who served our nation so bravely. This Gold Star Families Monument is dedicated to the families of Veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and was created by my dear friend, Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams. I am honored that the Ride For Fallen Service Heroes has been able to support this memorial for our brave families and their loved ones. It is my hope that today and every day leaves you with a tremendous sense of pride for our great nation and with profound appreciation for those who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms.”