Rep Travis Weaver gave the Veterans Day address. Veteran John Holevoet is to his left. [Photo by Diana Whitney]

Standing on a thick carpet of colorful leaves, a large crowd braved wind and frigid temperatures on Monday to take part in the Veterans Day celebration in Galva’s Veterans Park.

Cliff Wright, Lockmaster for the US Army Corps of Engineers and former assistant NCO at the Illinois National Guard, greeted the visitors.

He opened the program by thanking everyone for coming to honor veterans.

“They served to protect our country and our rights, and today is their day,” he said.

Army veteran John Holevoet gave the opening prayer, and Staff Sergeant Aric Burhorn sang The National Anthem.

US Army Corps of Engineers Lockmaster Cliff Wright welcomed the large crowd that gathered to celebrate Veterans Day in Galva’s Veterans Park. Mayor Rich Volkert is partially hidden behind him. [Photo by Diana Whitney]

Wright introduced the speaker as a man with local roots and a strong interest in the communities in central Illinois. “Representative Travis Weaver understands how important our veterans are, and what an impact they have on all of us.”

Weaver spoke about his earlier meeting with Galva students and shared much of the message he gave to them.

“A job is something that can be well done or well said,” he said. “Talking is easy, but our veterans know how to get the job done.”

Weaver encouraged everyone to consider the crucial duties that our servicemen and women provide and added that their loyalty to this country is an example for future generations of Americans. “Because of them, we have freedom of speech, freedom of religion and can live our lives as we choose.”

Legionnaires from Galva Legion Post 45 presented the flag and traditional salute to veterans. [Photo by Diana Whitney]

The American Legionnaires presented the flag and gave the salute, sending off the traditional rifle shots. They were joined by bugler Olof Collinson, who played TAPS, the familiar signal to soldiers that the day is ending.

Holevoet returned to the podium to give the benediction, after which the crowd was invited to the Legion building for chili and conversation.

Originally known as Armistice Day, it was a nod to the armistice between the Allies and Germany at the end of WWI. The signing to end the war took place on the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918.

Bugler Olaf Collinson performed TAPS at the end of the service. [Photo by Diana Whitney]

The following year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day as Armistice Day, and in 1938, Congress made it a federal holiday. They dedicated the day to honor veterans with some of the first parades and public ceremonies.

In 1954, after WWII and the Korean War ended, President Dwight Eisenhower renamed it Veterans Day, and since that time, it has honored all veterans.

As of mid 2025, an estimated 1.2 million men and women are serving in all military branches, including active-duty soldiers and those in reserves.