Published January 2002 — Download PDF of the original newspaper column
Byrd's-Eye View By U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd Preserving the Legacy of Our Veterans
West Virginians have a long history of distinguished service to their country in times of war and national crisis. From the first mountaineers who raised their muskets in defense of their new homeland to those Mountain State residents who currently battle the scourge of terrorism in the mountains of Afghanistan, West Virginia's men and women in uniform have made their state and nation proud. Through the years, the brave acts of these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have been remembered and honored by their fellow West Virginians. One such remembrance, the Kimball War Memorial in McDowell County, is a unique tribute to the 400,000 black Americans who served their nation during the first World War. The war memorial, the first of its kind in the United States, was erected by the McDowell County Commission following a petition by veterans to honor black American patriots of that war. Hassle T. Hicks, one of Southern West Virginia's most prestigious architects, designed the monument building, which features four large columns. For decades following its dedication on February 11, 1928, the Kimball War Memorial also served as a community building, providing space for local celebrations and civic activities. But, in recent years, the memorial has fallen into disrepair. Already a victim of the typical wear and tear of age and weather, the building was gutted by fire in 1991. To help reverse this unfortunate situation and to preserve a lasting tribute to these veterans, I added $700,000 to an appropriations bill that was signed into law late last year. These funds will help to restore the historic Kimball War Memorial, ensuring that the sacrifices of these members of our Armed Forces are never forgotten. The latest funding is in addition to the $462,500 that I added to a bill in 1999 for the renovation work. Reportedly, 1,500 black residents of McDowell County alone served in World War I. Their patriotic contributions to our state and to our nation will live on in a newly renovated Kimball War Memorial. It is my hope that the funding which I added for this worthwhile endeavor will help to preserve the war memorial as a constant reminder to future generations of the price of freedom and of the sacrifices made by West Virginia's veterans. January 9, 2002