Kewanee residents turned out for this year’s Kewanee Veterans Council Memorial Day Service at Veterans Park Monday. More than a hundred residents gathered to remember and honor those who died serving their country.
The ceremony began with an opening prayer by KVC Chaplain, Lou Vandevoorde, and the Kewanee High School Band, under the direction of Alex Binek, performed four musical selections that included “Amazing Grace,” Stars and Stripes,” “The National Anthem,” as well as a tribute to all of the branches of the military.
Ted Canellos, commander of the American Legion Post 31, presented the POW/MIA service at a table laid with symbolic objects representing those who have not come home.
“Remember and never forget their sacrifice,” Canellos said.
Mayor Gary Moore introduced the assembled Kewanee City Council members, Mike Komnick, Tyrone Baker and Steve Faber before reminding attendees about the importance and meaning behind the day, and the service members’ duty, honor and sacrifice for their nation. He also asked that people thank servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their county.
“For a nation is only as strong as those willing to fight for our freedoms,” said the Mayor.
Glenn Morey, president of the KVC, was the guest speaker. Morey served eight years as a US Marine, joining in 1963. He also served as the Commander of the Mineral American Legion before becoming a member of the Kewanee American Legion Post 31 and president of the KVC.
Morey thanked the veterans council and the work they do at funerals, as well as their attendance at parades and for their work ensuring flags are placed at gravesites. He spoke about the service of men and women and that sacrifice that gave people the freedom of not only the press but of speech and the right to demonstrate.
“When you see a veteran, thank him for his service,” said Morey.
Mayor Moore and Morey laid the wreath at the service before Capt. Matt Gibson gave a presentation on a 1942 Ford Jeep. Gibson had the rare, restored jeep on display at the service. It was one of only 300,000 made by Ford and most of those vehicles didn’t come home, he said.
Jerry Thompson, finance officer for the American Legion and the Kewanee Veterans Council served as master of ceremonies. Thompson, along with Canellos, read the names of 37 area service members who had passed away this year. Thompson reported that roughly 3,300 flags were placed at the gravesites of service members in the Kewanee area and rural cemeteries. The marking of service members’ resting places is performed each year by the Kewanee Veterans Council before Memorial Day.
The program concluded with a benediction from Chaplain Vandevoorde and the firing of three rifle volleys and the sounding of taps.
