JESSICA LYNCH PARADE MARSHAL FOR WALNUT FESTIVAL

(09/23/2004)
Jessica Lynch will serve as grand marshal of the Black Walnut Festival parade on October 16th.

Lynch became a household name in March 2003, after she was taken prisoner in Iraq and nine days later she became the first American POW to be rescued since World War II.

Since her release and a gigantic homecoming to Wirt County, she helped write a best-selling book, started a philanthropic foundation and began giving motivational speeches.

Her story has also been the subject of TV movies.

She is also the national spokeswoman for Operation Purple, a camp program for children whose parents have been deployed.

Lynch is still recovering from injuries sustained.