FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A longstanding veterans memorial in Fayette County will soon have its flame lit once again, a project that Fayette County Commissioner Chuck Miller has made a priority since taking office.
A special Lighting of the Flame ceremony will be held at the Fayette County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building in Fayetteville on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11 a.m.
The event is open to the public and will honor veterans and their sacrifices while recognizing the restoration of the memorial’s eternal flame.
In a Facebook video posted in September while standing in front of the Memorial Building, Miller announced that a new flame unit had been installed after months of efforts to obtain a replacement.
“One of the big things I wanted to do after I got into commission was, this was one that’s true to my heart, was this eternal flame for the veterans,” Miller stated in the September video.
Miller explained that obtaining the replacement unit was not an easy process, with the county making multiple attempts to order the equipment.
“We fought, I ain’t kidding you, we’ve ordered this thing four times,” Miller said.
According to Miller, the county was repeatedly told the equipment was discontinued or unavailable before finally receiving a unit from Texas.
J&R Electric and Plumbing installed the replacement, and Miller credited several individuals for helping make the project possible, including County Administrator Ruth Lanier, Sonny Milam and Okey Skidmore.
Miller said in September that the equipment was installed and ready to operate, but the county planned to wait until an official ceremony to light the flame.
“We’re going to do a big ceremony. We’ll have it lit then, but it’s up and ready. It’s ready to go,” Miller said.
The project also holds personal significance for Miller, who recalled passing the memorial during his childhood and developing a greater appreciation for veterans as he grew older.
“This thing, when I was a kid, we used to pass by here. You know, you never notice it as a kid, but now that I’m grown up and realize what our veterans done for us,” Miller said.
“My dad’s a World War II veteran. My son’s been in the military, my brother.”
Miller emphasized that restoring the flame is a way to recognize those who have served in the military.
“You know, this is big. This is the least we can do for what they’ve done for us,” he said.
The ceremony is expected to include a National Guard color guard from Glen Jean and a musician performing “Taps.”
Miller said arrangements for the color guard were made with assistance from a National Guard colonel in Charleston.
He also encouraged local schools to bring students to the ceremony, describing it as an opportunity for younger generations to recognize the importance of honoring veterans.
“Any schools that want to bring their kids, we’d love to see that. This is a momentous time. It’s something great for the kids to see,” Miller said.
The commissioner also invited police chiefs, fire chiefs, mayors, members of the Lions Club and other community organizations to participate.
The ceremony will take place at the Fayette County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building, which has served as a community landmark in Fayetteville for decades.
In addition to restoring the veterans memorial flame, Miller has expressed interest in bringing more activities and events to the Memorial Building.
He has discussed plans to increase the building’s use for concerts, wrestling, boxing and other community events. He also announced the installation of new LED lighting outside the building.
For Miller, however, the restoration of the memorial flame remains an especially meaningful accomplishment.
“It’s going to be a great day for our veterans and lighting of the torch, something that’s needed done for many years that finally we’re bringing back to Fayette County at the Memorial Building,” Miller said.
The Lighting of the Flame ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, October 22, at the Fayette County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building in Fayetteville.
All members of the public are welcome to attend.
