Wethersfield second graders in Tonya Vincent and Tara Woller’s classes greeted veterans as they arrived at Wethersfield High School. [Photo by Dave Clarke]

Kewanee’s Veterans Day Service had a new look this year. The Kewanee Veterans Council which conducts the program moved it to the gymnasium at Wethersfield High School this year since the American Legion building on Railroad Avenue, where it has been held for many years, is for sale and the post is moving into new quarters in the 100 block of East Third Street.

The event was not lacking for a welcoming atmosphere for local veterans who attended as they were met at the front door by rows of flag-waving, cheering second graders who lined both sides of the sidewalk leading in from Willard Street.

Above, Veterans directed by Josh Newman, left, presented the colors at the beginning of the service. Kewanee City Councilmen Tyron Baker and Steve Faber are at the right. Councilman Mike Komnick is behind a flag. Below, Wethersfield students Brooke Shores and Saphyre Murphy sing the National Anthem. [Photos by Dave Clarke]

Inside, veterans and other attendees were met at the door by WHS students handing out programs and a reception in the gym prior to the service. Students from both the junior and senior high schools sat in the bleachers on opposite sides of the gym during the program.

Above, Mayor Gary Moore addresses the crowd at Monday’s Veteran’s Day service held in the Wethersfield High School Gym. Below, left, Leah Franklin, Annaleigh Feltz and Lajaya Angel present a banner made by WHS art students to Bob Jacobs. Each veteran received a banner. The Kewanee Veteran’s Council firing squad executes a rifle salute at the close of Monday’s service. [Photos by Dave Clarke]

On the way out, each veteran was presented with a redeem white and blue banner made by the high school art class saluting them for their service. The Wethersfield High School Band, directed by Patrick Wilson, also performed several numbers including the “Armed Services Medley.”

After Jerry Thompson, KVC Service Officer, opened the program, the National Anthem was sung by WHS students Brooke Shores and Saphyre Murphy.

American Legion Post 31 Commander Ted Canellos conducted the service honoring POWs and MIAs, saying “Let us remember and never forget them.” Mayor Gary Moore made brief remarks and said “Thank you to all veterans. You are appreciated.”

Traditionally a student from both Kewanee and Wethersfield are asked to be the main speakers. This year William Ly, of KHS, and Alivia Lempke of WHS had the honors.

Ly reflected on the important role American servicemen played in helping his grandfather escape Vietnam at the end of the war which ultimately made it possible for him to be here today. Lempke told about her father, who served in the Marines, and how military service shaped his life and influenced hers.

Irving School students Declan Ince, Kenzie Krampf and Lizard hold a banner for veterans passing in their vehicles in a drive-by parade which followed Monday’s Veterans Day Service. [Photo by Dave Clarke]

Following the service Kewanee police led a convoy of vehicles carrying local veterans from Wethersfield High School to Central School where they took part in a drive-by parade down Central Boulevard while students waved American flags and cheered them on. The parade also passed Visitation Catholic School and ended at Irving School at Central and Grove streets.