Veterans Day services planned
Monday is Veterans Day, and many communities around the area will hold special activities to honor of those who served in our nation’s military. Below is a round-up of services.
Dan DeWilde is honored as Mayor Tom Smith looks on in a special Veterans Day ceremony in Waterloo last year. (Corey Saathoff photo)Waterloo
In cooperation with the Waterloo VFW, American Legion, Waterloo Park District, city of Waterloo and Waterloo School District, a special program planned for 7 p.m. Monday in the Waterloo High School auditorium will honor local veterans who served from 1976 to the start of the Gulf War. Local veterans include Jeff Barbee, Mary Becker, Julie Ann Blechle, Dan Bradley, Thomas Brinkmann, Anthony Cafazza, John DeBourge, Paul DeBourge, Jon Eller, Kevin Henke, Diane Holmen, Pam Jehling, Denis Keim, Dale Keith, Tom Knight, Loren J. Loerch, Mark Marchwinski, Lloyd Irwin Moore, Chuck Pittman, Dan Riesenbeck, Rick Schilling, Gary Schremp, Robert Srite, Bill Suess, Ken Weiler and Tim Wilson.
This follows a recent tradition over the past few years in which World War II, Korean War, Cold War and Vietnam War veterans have been recognized.
The featured speaker will be Colonel George Mike Pierce. Col. Pierce is a 40-year veteran of the Air Force, and in his time he has seen eight presidents come and go; been a part of major American events including Vietnam, Granada, Desert Storm/Desert Shield and 9/11; participated in taking the Kurds out of Iraq and delivering the baby of a Muslim woman on a 747.
The public is encouraged to attend.
The traditional “Laying of the Wreath” in honor of all deceased local veterans takes place 11 a.m. Monday at the Veterans Memorial in Lakeview Park.
The Waterloo VFW will also host its second Veterans Day Brunch and Run on Sunday, Nov. 10. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., with a poker run to follow. Cost for a Brunch and Run ticket is $15. All vehicles are welcome to join the poker run.
Call 314-603-1559 for more information.
Columbia
Columbia American Legion Post 581 will honor veterans during a public ceremony planned for 11 a.m. Monday inside the Legion Hall.
This year, Post 581 will pay special tribute to veterans of the War on Terror.
In addition, World War II veteran Chester Schmidt will speak, and 60-year Legion members will be honored. Schmidt is a longtime resident of Columbia who served as an air crewman on a B-17 Bomber during World War II. He was stationed in England and conducted missions over Germany.
The 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address will also be celebrated during the ceremony. President Abraham Lincoln delivered this historic address on Nov. 19, 1863, during the Civil War.
Valmeyer
Valmeyer American Legion Post 901 will host a Veterans Day Dinner at the Legion Hall on Monday, with a cocktail hour beginning at 5 p.m., followed by a meeting of officers and dinner at 6 p.m.
Fried chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans and corn will be served. Auxiliary members are bringing salads and desserts, while legionnaires will provide drinks.
The auxiliary will raffle a hand-made queen-size quilt after dinner.
Raffle tickets are still available that evening for anyone wanting to participate.
All Valmeyer American Legion and Auxiliary members, young and old, and their families are invited to attend.
Dupo
American Legion Post 485 in Dupo will host a special Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. on Monday, recognizing all those who have served in the military.
The public is invited to attend.
