Happy Birthday, West Virginia!
by Dr. Charley West on Jun 20, 2011 9:40 AM EDT
in About The Smoking Musket
Email
Print
West Virginia isn't any old state.
Any old state wouldn't have a legion of birthday wishes to it starting very early this morning. Any old state wouldn't inspire the same amount of passion and allegiance. Any old state wouldn't shape the identity of so many of its residents.
No, this is West Virginia, and for better or worse, this state is who we are and always will be. You can meet someone halfway across the world, and if by happenstance you're both from West Virginia, you've just met a friend. That just doesn't happen with other parts of the country.
So today, on our great state's 148th birthday, remember the things that make West Virginia so special. It's singing Country Roads at weddings as loud as you can. It's our motto, "Montani Semper Liberi," a phrase that seems to place West Virginia as a higher cause. It's the topography, as wild and wonderful as it was back in 1863 (OK, well, almost).
And, most of all, it's the people. Because, without the people, West Virginia might just be another state in the Union. Instead, it's the best.
17 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Happy birthday
To the place I was born and raised, and am proud to say I am from.
by WVU-Atlanta on Jun 20, 2011 10:07 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Preston County
w00t!
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
by TheMattROb on Jun 20, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Born and raised in Summersville
And proud of it.
I live in NC now, and every time I meet a fellow West Virginian, there’s always an instant kinsmanship. No other state is like that.
by Caleb Wygal on Jun 20, 2011 10:47 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Summersville
It’s like no other place on Earth!
by MountaineerMaxx on Jun 20, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I was born in Harrisonburg VA, only cause no where in Sugar Grove, WV to have me.
Raised in Martinsburg from 1st grade on.
In Richmond, VA cursing hokies now!
by TCfromDubVee on Jun 20, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
True story bro. My girlfriends best friend is from Parkersburg.
She went to undergrad at wvu. My girlfriend calls her my “sports wife” because every time we are around each other that’s all we talk about.
Love the dubvee!
by TCfromDubVee on Jun 20, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Many Happy Returns for the Day
This state adopted me when they admitted me to med school in 1965. My oldest son got a bachelor’s and a doctorate from WVU, my daughter spent 3 years at WVU and my youngest son is soon to graduate from WVU. Since there is a 13 year span from the engine to the caboose, whom I visited as well as multiple football trips and reunions, I have enjoyed countless hours and travels to and within West Virginia. I just love the whole state and mostly the people who reside there. I am hoping to retire there in the next few years.
that quote
Sums up the rich rod departure
by Simple Jack on Jun 20, 2011 1:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
While I often
find myself criticizing the “git-r-dun” element of West Virginia and especially Ohio (and I do so because each has its fair share in that category), WV holds a great spot in my heart. It’s where I was born and raised. Although I grew up in a working class/single parent family in a northern town, I find myself having more of an affinity as the years progress. The topography of the state is as unique as its inhabitants. Fiercely loyal and protective (just as many of the natives’ Scottish and Italian ancestors) sums up the character traits of the 35th state. While I personally believe too many of us take great offense to neighbor characterizations of us, I think it’s most likely because we want them to know that we love it and wish to correct their ignorance of the state.
Happy Birthday WV!
by WVUColumbus on Jun 20, 2011 5:18 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Born in charleston, raised in Ravenswood
And God willing, will die in Morgantown. Happy birthday to my home among the hills.
Well...
Since we are all going around the room here, I spent the first 18 years of my life in St Albans, and most of my family is/was there when they grew up too. Morgantown for 4 years, Pittsburgh, Cali, now ATL for the last decade.
I will echo the same sentiments about meeting someone unexpectedly from WV…to this day I also get excited when I see a WV license plate on the road. My lovely wife, from VA, just doesnt get it. :)
by WVU-Atlanta on Jun 20, 2011 11:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
