State Memorial Service for Woody Williams Announced

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 Friday, July 1, 2022 - 23:00

Charleston – All West Virginians are invited to honor and celebrate the distinguished life of America’s last World War II Medal of Honor recipient – West Virginia native Hershel “Woody” Williams – during memorial services July 2-3.
 
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022
8:00 a.m. | Procession
On Saturday, July 2, a procession will depart from Beard Mortuary in Huntington at 8:00 a.m. The procession route will follow Route 60 through Ona and Milton before getting on I-64 at Exit 28. The procession will remain on I-64 until Exit 99, turning right onto Greenbrier Street, before turning left onto Kanawha Boulevard and entering the State Capitol from the South Side of the Complex.

Upon arrival, the casket will be carried into the State Capitol Building and positioned in the Lower Capitol Rotunda.
 
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Public Viewing
Williams will lie In State at the Capitol Rotunda for a public viewing window, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and concluding at 6:00 p.m.

Parking:
Parking for guests will be provided. Lots around the Capitol Complex will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The public employee parking garage off Greenbrier Street and the Laidley Field parking lot will also be open to the public. Free shuttle services will be offered all day within the service area. Designated handicap parking spaces will also be available at the lot beside the State Culture Center.

Public entrance:
All attendees must enter the Capitol Building using the public West Wing entrance. Doors will open at 10:00 a.m.
 
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Additional Public Viewing
On Sunday, July 3, public visitation will continue at the Capitol Rotunda, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and concluding at 2:00 p.m.

Parking:
Parking for guests will be provided. Lots around the Capitol Complex will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The public employee parking garage off Greenbrier Street and the Laidley Field parking lot will also be open to the public. Free shuttle services will be offered all day within the service area. Designated handicap parking spaces will also be available at the lot beside the State Culture Center.

Public entrance:
All attendees must enter the Capitol Building using the public West Wing entrance. Doors will open at 10:00 a.m.
 
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | State Memorial Service
A State Memorial Service in Williams’ honor will be held inside the State Culture Center Theater at 4:00 p.m. The service will include several tributes which will be announced closer to the service.

Seating:
Public seating inside the State Culture Center Theater will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be very limited seating inside the theater. Additional overflow seating will be available both inside and outside the Culture Center with video and audio provided.

How to watch:
The service will be broadcast on television via the West Virginia Public Broadcasting Channel. Find your station here (Use column labeled “WVPB”).

West Virginians may also watch the event via online livestream.