Honoring Veterans in Belmont County
By Jackee Pugh, Executive Director Belmont County Tourism Director
As Veterans Day approaches, I want to pause to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering service of the men and women who have defended our freedoms. This is a time not only for remembrance but also for gratitude of those who gave their all and those who continue to live among us as our everyday heroes.
Belmont County’s patriotism runs deep. Each November, our communities come alive with displays of pride and remembrance—from flags and banners lining Main Streets to ceremonies and museum exhibits honoring generations of service. These tributes remind us that the freedoms we enjoy were secured through the bravery and sacrifice of others.
One of the most meaningful places to experience this history firsthand is the Tri-State Military Veterans Museum in Belmont. Guided by the dedication of volunteers, including museum director Cheryl Skinner, the museum preserves the stories of local servicemen and women through artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts spanning from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Before visitors even step inside, they are greeted by the Heroes Wall Honored Forever, which inscribes the names of more than 4,000 veterans, and stands as a powerful symbol of gratitude.
The museum continues to expand its exhibits and displays, including the impressive bald eagle sculpture added last fall. Crafted from recycled aluminum and boasting a nearly six-foot wingspan, the eagle stands as a striking emblem of strength, freedom, and resilience, qualities embodied by every veteran who has served, and those still serving, our nation. Visitors are also greeted by Prince (Vietnam), a bronze scout dog statue accompanied by a plaque honoring him and his handler, Ed Reeves.
The museum will be open on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment through the winter months. A visit offers a moving way to honor our local heroes and connect with the stories that have shaped both Belmont County and America. To learn more, call 740-761-0155 or visit tristatemvm.org.
And while we reflect on the legacy of those who served, Belmont County is preparing for something truly special, a national veterans-related exhibit that will visit our county in 2026. Details will be shared soon, but
It will be a profoundly meaningful experience for our community and a tribute worthy of the men and women it honors.
As we observe Veterans Day, join with me to celebrate and thank our veterans, not just today, but all year long, for their patriotism, love of country, and unwavering commitment to the common good. Belmont County is fortunate to have so many veterans among us, and we are honored to remember them.
To find out more about upcoming events in Belmont County, visit visitbelmontcounty.com. If you’re planning events for 2026, please use the event submission form on our website. We are your community partner and are here to help promote everything happening right here in friendly, beautiful Belmont County.
Each month a column written by Jackee Pugh, Executive Director of the Belmont County Tourism Council, will publish online at Barnesville Area News. Jackee will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.
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