In memory of the thirty-seven West Virginia military men and woman killed in the line of duty in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars since September 11, 2001, Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture (VWA) and Zion Heritage Farm, in cooperation with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, will honor our Fallen Warriors with a special tree planting ceremony on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 2:00 p.m., at Zion Heritage Farm, Fairmont, WV.
In a dedicated section of the farm, one specially selected apple tree will be planted for each soldier, and a permanent memorial placed as a celebration of their lives, their bravery, their contribution to our freedom, and a tribute to their ultimate sacrifice. Gold Star families will be in attendance: mothers, fathers, spouses, siblings, and children of our Fallen Warriors. Families will select a tree for their loved ones by placing dog tags on their tree of choice. Veterans, active duty military, and civilian volunteers will help plant the trees. This section of the Farm will remain open to family members year-round, and they may return at harvest to pick fruit from their trees.
The public is invited to this event. Other invited guests include Governor Tomblin, Daughters of the American Revolution, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the producers of “37 Fallen”, a documentary film teling the stories of the 37 West Virginian veterans lost in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars since September 11, 2001.
About Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture
West Virginia Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture is helping get Veterans back to work. Directed by James McCormick, U.S. Army Retired, with the support of the Department of Agriculture and Commissioner Walt Helmick, VWA is a support program assisting Veterans and their families’ transition back to civilian life and get established in farming. Senate Bill 469, passed by unanimous vote, made it possible for land owned by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to be farmed by Veterans, and provides the means for Veteran farmers to receive specialized training, such as growing crops or raising honeybees, hands-on assistance, and supplies.
About Zion Heritage Farms
Veteran family owned, Zion Heritage Farm is a fledgling apple farm, practicing responsible and sustainable husbandry, and focusing on organic U-pick apples. The majority of more than 200 trees are heritage apples, including West Virginia’s own Grimes Golden.
To learn more about this event, please contact
Heather Neill
Zion Heritage Farm
134 Powder House Road
Fairmont, WV 26554
