Veterans of military service to their country were the stars of the show at Tuesday’s Veterans Day Service.
For the second year the annual observance was held in the Wethersfield High School gym after the American Legion post, where it had been held for many years, was sold.
Jerry Thompson, finance officer of the Kewanee Veterans Council, emceed and opened the ceremony by explaining the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, held in May, is that the former is dedicated to living veterans in appreciation for their service. Memorial Day is set aside on the fourth Monday in May to remember the service and sacrifice of those veterans who are no longer with us. He said each time we remember POWS and MIAs who served and may never come home.
In remarks to the gathering Mayor Gary Moore said too often we take men and women who served in the military for granted and, while one day a year, we honor them, it’s something we should do year ‘round.
City Councilman Tyrone Baker expressed thanks for the veterans who fought for the rights of African Americans, like himself. “It’s not something we take lightly.”
Also in attendance were Kewanee City Clerk and Kasey Mitchell, acting city manager and Miss World Festival Eva Ceja.
As has been the tradition for many years, a senior from both Kewanee and Wethersfield high schools each served as speakers.
This year Kalleigh Gale of KHS and Maci Hauser of WHS did the honors both reflecting on the influence of grandparents, parents and other family members who served in the military had on their lives.
Ted Canellos, commander of American Legion Post 31 conducted the traditional service in remembrance of POWs and MIAs.
The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by Wethersfield sophomore Lauren Dana. The Wethersfield High School Band, directed by Pat Wilson, performed America the Beautiful, the Armed Services Medley and God Bless America.
