Union soldier, 1st Sergeant John A. Vance, Co. I, 7th West Virginia Infantry Volunteers, was honored Sunday the 8th of November, 1998. Grave markers for him and his wife, Mahala Hedrick Vance, were dedicated. These markers were obtained by Carol Pennington, a Great Great Granddaughter. All joined in the Pledge of Allegence, and the Invocation was given by Rev. Randall Ours, Chaplain, SUVCW 7th WV Inf. Camp #7. Biographies of John and Mahala were read by one of their Great Great Granddaughters, Helan Phares, of Onego. A history of the 7th WV Inf. Vol. was given by Joshua Staley, a member of the Co. A, 7th WV Inf. Re-enactment Unit. The Re-enactment Unit had reproductions of the flags carried by the 7th WV Infantry during the Civil War, uniformed soldiers, and ladies in period dress. Deanna Armentrout sang the Star Spangled Banner. Taps were played by Alan Granofsky. The McNeill's Rangers Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, were represented by members in Confederate uniform, carring flags of their Camp. There were many descendants of John and Mahala present among the 50 people who attended the dedication. An Honor Guard was formed by both the Union and Confederate groups. We must all remember that both Union and Confederate soldiers were Americans, and are American Veterans worthy of honor on Veteran's Day. Members of the following organizations were represented. Pendleton Co., WVa Historical Preservation Association; Co. A, 7th WV Infantry Volunteers Re-enactment Unit, and their ladies, Fairmont; Sons of Union Veterand of the Civil War, 7th West Virginia Infantry Camp #7, Franklin; McNeill's Rangers Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Moorefield; Order of the Bonnie Blue, Phoebe Warner Chapter, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans Brig. Gen. James Boggs' Camp #1706, Franklin; and Pendleton Co. Historical Society, Inc. Veterans of the Navy and Army were also present, and all Veterans were honored for their contribution to safeguarding the freedoms we oft times take for granted. Koren Fae Rawlings 304-358-3261 Pendleton Co, WVa Historical Preservation Association P.O. Box 1036 Franklin, WV 26807-1036 [email protected]