Dear Editor,

I would like to compliment and express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Dwayn Pielech, director of Senior Services of Belmont County, and his very professional and caring staff for their creation of such an outstanding, and most appreciated, event designed to “celebrate the lives and memories of Belmont County’s older Americans,” which was held on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, on the premises of the administration building of Senior Services of Belmont County, located off National Road, west of St. Clairsville.

The very heartfelt ceremony was designed and dedicated to pay tribute to area seniors who had passed away during the previous 15 months, who may have passed, or had their funeral services affected, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to Senior Services, I would also like to compliment the work of Amedisys Hospice and Care Funeral and Cremation Specialists, who were “partners” in this wonderful event, as well as the Belmont County Board of Commissioners.

This laudatory event, which recognized over 275 Belmont County seniors who had recently passed with signs with their names and photos of the deceased on display during the service, served as a most memorable tribute to those being so honored.

It was estimated that approximately 200 individuals were in attendance at this most memorable and historic event, including myself in honor and recognition of my beloved father, Calvin Hord, who passed away on June 29, 2020.

In closing, I would also like to commend Senior Services of Belmont County for their excellent work in service to the senior residents of Belmont County. Many thanks to one and to all!

Richard Hord

Martins Ferry