Nitro city councilman Bill Javins looked out on the city's new Living Memorial Park.
"This is who we are," he said.
The city celebrated its centennial Saturday with the dedication of the park, which is located at the intersection of 21st Avenue and Second Street.
"Nitro, literally, was born out of World War I," said Nitro city councilman John Montgomery. "With the federal ammunition plant that was built here to supply gunpowder for World War I. So that's what this is all about, commemorating that."
The park features a mural painted by Nitro native Claire Hemme.
"One thing that makes Nitro stand out, more than many other places, is its continued dedication to honoring our nation's veterans," state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said. "No matter the war, or the branch of service."
Before the park dedication, Nitro hosted an all-horse parade.
The all-horse parade was the first of its kind in Nitro. It honored the horses that helped to create Nitro, as well as the horses that were used in World War I. Around 2,500 horses were used in the creation of Nitro.
"The horse parade was the first one I've seen," Javins said. "Horses were used to haul things, and in the wars, it goes along with World War I."
Montgomery said the celebration was an opportunity to bring people to the city.
"We're in effect branding Nitro through its origination in World War I," Montgomery said.
Javins said the city, which is home to nearly 7,000 people, hopes to attract tourists and homeowners to Nitro through events like the park dedication.
"We're making it a better place to live," Javins said. "We just want to see the town grow."
"These are the types of initiatives that are going to inspire growth and development," Morrisey said.
Also, the city celebrated local veterans and Rosie the Riveters, and added three Nitro natives to the city's Wall of Fame.
Lew Burdette, a major league baseball player; Kathy Mattea, a country music artist; and Larry Barnett, a major league baseball umpire, were honored with plaques on the wall of fame.
David Riley, National Commander of Disabled American Veterans was the featured speaker at the event.
Reach Kayla Asbury at kayla.asbury@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5100 or follow @kasbury_ on Twitter.