It’s been one of those weeks full of work travel for me, and honestly, I feel lucky every time I get to drive through West Virginia in late spring. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, there’s something magical about driving west just before sunset.
The mountains seem alive — some steaming softly in the foreground, while the ones in the distance fade into a soft, hazy blue. It’s a sight that never fails to take my breath away.
In that golden light, the grass looks unbelievably green, and the red-roofed farmhouse nestled in the valley looks like it belongs in a painting. As the sun dips lower, the horizon shifts to delicate shades of pink and purple, and the clouds rising from the hollows take on a slightly mysterious feel.
I’m the kind of person who, even if I’m alone in the car, can’t help but shout “cows!” whenever I see them—and there are plenty to see here. The horses get a shout-out, too. Even the man-made interruptions — like the glowing lights of a natural gas processing plant tucked away in the hills — somehow seem beautiful in that twilight glow.
Wherever I have to go — the Eastern Panhandle, the Northern Panhandle, the eastern mountains, Charleston, Morgantown, or somewhere in between — there’s always a postcard-perfect view waiting around the next bend. It’s not just the typical tourist spots that catch your eye here. Even the quieter, less celebrated parts of West Virginia offer scenes you won’t find everywhere.
Of course, not every trip is a perfect springtime drive. I’ve had to make winter trips, too, and the scenery then is a bit less spectacular — except for the eastern mountains, which still hold their own even in February.
But right now, it’s spring. Soon it’ll be summer, and after that, the most glorious time of year — fall. There’s a brief window in autumn when the landscape puts on a show like no other, and the whole state seems to burst into a symphony of reds, oranges, and yellows.
And here’s the thing — I get to experience all of this as often as I want. Most of us do. We’re lucky enough to live in this incredible region where nature is all around us, free for us to explore or simply admire.
But—and this is important—we’re free in this beautiful place because of something much bigger. Freedom didn’t come without cost. In fact, there are more than 1.3 million reasons to remember that.
Statistica, a research site, tried to count every military fatality in all the major wars involving the United States, from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror.
Their total is about 1,304,705 — and while the exact number may never be perfect, it’s clear that millions of men and women gave their lives for this country. Many did so because they believed it was their duty to defend our Constitution, our people, and the values this country stands for.
Of course, not everyone’s military story is the same. Some families will find this holiday difficult in their own way, and every service member’s reasons for joining were personal.
But as you enjoy your three-day weekend in this beautiful place, please take a moment to reflect on those sacrifices. Remember the millions who gave everything to help build the country we live in today.
And then, do your part to honor them. Live with a commitment to make this country worthy of their sacrifice. Treat others with kindness, respect, and dignity. Stay true to the values they fought to protect. Because true gratitude is shown not just in words, but in the way we live every day.
So as you take in the stunning views of West Virginia this spring, remember it’s more than just a beautiful place — it’s a symbol of freedom earned through sacrifice. Let that inspire you to be the best version of yourself, and to cherish the incredible gift of liberty we’ve been given.
