Among West Virginia’s many good traits is its patriotism. Here are some of the reasons that make the Mountain State the most patriotic of all the states.
- We know how to celebrate Independence Day.
Ripley 4th of July/Facebook Ripley’s Fourth of July Celebration is known as “USA’s Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration.” It is the oldest parade in the state.
- We proudly display the American flag.
Martin Procnnik/Flickr
smilla4/Flickr We’re so proud of these colors.
- Many West Virginia residents are veterans.
Mike Small/Flickr According to the Washington Post, 9 percent of West Virginia’s population has served in the armed forces. Approximately 202,000 veterans live in West Virginia, out of a population of about 1.8 million, according to state’s Veterans History Project. That’s the highest number per capita in the nation, according to the project.
- Many West Virginians have given their lives in war.
U.S. Marines More West Virginians gave their lives, at least in the Vietnam War, according to the West Virginia Encyclopedia. A total of 36,578 West Virginians served in the war, and 1,182 were killed. The state suffered an estimated 2.75 death rate per 10,000 residents in 1969, compared to the national average of 1.8.
- We honor our veterans and troops.
Nancy/Flickr Like during this Veterans Day Parade in Barbour County.
- Our military members are brave.
public domain Like Jessica Lynch, of Palestine, West Virginia, a prisoner of war whose rescue made national news.
- We serve our communities.
Sonja/Flickr West Virginians collectively volunteered a 32.8 million hours in 2013, according to volunteeringinamerica.gov. That’s a LOT of volunteering!
- West Virginia is home to several “Rosies.”
J. Howard Miller Did you know that dozens of West Virginia women worked on the home front during World War II? According to Thanks Plain and Simple, the organization found as many as 120 living West Virginia women who worked on airplanes and ships and did other work during the war. These women are known collectively as “Rosie the Riveter.”
What in your opinion makes West Virginia so patriotic?
Ripley 4th of July/Facebook
Ripley’s Fourth of July Celebration is known as “USA’s Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration.” It is the oldest parade in the state.
Martin Procnnik/Flickr
smilla4/Flickr
We’re so proud of these colors.
Mike Small/Flickr
According to the Washington Post, 9 percent of West Virginia’s population has served in the armed forces. Approximately 202,000 veterans live in West Virginia, out of a population of about 1.8 million, according to state’s Veterans History Project. That’s the highest number per capita in the nation, according to the project.
U.S. Marines
More West Virginians gave their lives, at least in the Vietnam War, according to the West Virginia Encyclopedia. A total of 36,578 West Virginians served in the war, and 1,182 were killed. The state suffered an estimated 2.75 death rate per 10,000 residents in 1969, compared to the national average of 1.8.
Nancy/Flickr
Like during this Veterans Day Parade in Barbour County.
public domain
Like Jessica Lynch, of Palestine, West Virginia, a prisoner of war whose rescue made national news.
Sonja/Flickr
West Virginians collectively volunteered a 32.8 million hours in 2013, according to volunteeringinamerica.gov. That’s a LOT of volunteering!
J. Howard Miller
Did you know that dozens of West Virginia women worked on the home front during World War II? According to Thanks Plain and Simple, the organization found as many as 120 living West Virginia women who worked on airplanes and ships and did other work during the war. These women are known collectively as “Rosie the Riveter.”
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