Riverfront Park light display honors veterans

RAVENSWOOD, W.Va. (WV News) — For several years, Ravenswood has quietly but visibly honored veterans in the days leading up to Veterans Day.

The American Veterans Shelter at Riverfront Park is the site of several lighted displays that do not depict any specific conflict or war. They simply honor America and those who have served faithfully.

For many years, Steve Bradley worked diligently to ensure that the soldiers and other figures were ready to light up on November 1 and run until Veteran’s Day.

“He was the heart and soul of these lights,” Ravenswood Board of Parks and Recreation (BOPARC) Director Katrena Ramsey said. “He was an Air Force veteran, so this visible way to honor his fellow veterans meant so much to him. He also loved Ravenswood and was a tremendous volunteer.”

Bradley would be at the park two or three times daily, checking to ensure everything was secure and in working order.

“I would help, learning how to do the electrical hookup and timing,” Ramsey said. “It’s a skill set I have. Once, Steve said, ‘I think you’re even better than me.’ I loved working with him and miss him so much. And we would turn on the lights no matter what the weather. I remember the rain coming sideways once as I held an umbrella for Steve.”

Ramsey said that additional figures and symbols have been added over time. This year is no different.

“We’ve added a Statue of Liberty and swags,” she said. “And the eagle and flag are new. Plus, we’ve upgraded the LED lights.”

What makes the patriotic figures even more meaningful is their location. The shelter was built by veterans and received its name in August 2003.

While the veteran lights will be turned off on November 12, they will be re-lit as part of the park’s much-anticipated Christmas displays.

Work has already begun to get those holiday figures and scenes ready to light up the park after Thanksgiving.

“Each item you see as you drive through the park during the holiday season was donated,” Ramsey said. “When you drive through and choose to give a donation, we put that money towards purchasing new scenes or adding to the existing ones each year. This year, thanks to a gift from the Jackson County Ministerial Association, you’ll see a couple of new additions to the nativity scene. I won’t give it away, so you’ll need to come see.”

The veterans’ lights will be displayed through Monday, November 11, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.