WEBSTER SPRINGS — Community members gathered inside Webster Springs City Hall on Friday night for a candlelight vigil honoring Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, the 20-year-old Webster County native who was killed while serving with the West Virginia National Guard in Washington, D.C.

The room filled quickly as residents, veterans, civic leaders, friends and classmates came together to grieve the loss of a young woman many described as compassionate, steady and fiercely protective of the people she loved.

As people entered City Hall, a sign board was set up at the door for attendees to sign, with blue ribbons available to take and wear in support of Beckstrom’s family. A local high school student sat beside the table making additional ribbons as more people arrived.

After taking their seats,

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