WHEELING — John Larch never served in the military. He wasn’t the man who launched a military banner program in the Ohio Valley, and he refuses to take credit for starting the one in Wheeling. But those who know him are quick to proudly salute his tireless efforts to honor the city’s veterans — and to help give them a well-deserved spotlight in their community.

Larch volunteers his time to bring Wheeling’s Military Banner Program to life, and over the past year, the Friendly City has honored nearly 300 veterans and active duty military personnel. Many have noted that Wheeling was quickly transformed from the city without military banners to the community with one of the most successful and celebrated salutes to its veterans with banners displayed throughout town.

“The banner program has

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