Kewanee veterans will be honored at both a free breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 9 and then again on Tuesday, Nov. 11 with a service conducted by the Kewanee Veterans Council.

Tuesday’s service will again take place at the Wethersfield High School gym, the location where the service moved after the American Legion building was sold.

The service will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a reception for area veterans. All veterans are invited to attend, and refreshments will be served.
At 10 a.m., the public is invited to attend the service along with high school students.

The schedule of events includes the singing of the National Anthem, performed by Lauren Dana and the WHS band, directed by Patrick Wilson. The anthem will be followed by the introduction of the Color Guard and the POW/MIA Recognition.

Mayor Gary Moore and the Kewanee City Council members are invited to attend, and Mayor Moore will provide remarks, after which, two high school students, Kalleigh Gale from Kewanee High School and Maci Hauser from WHS will speak.

At 11 a.m., outside on the lawn of the school, the firing squad will perform a 21-gun salute.

For veterans needing assistance to get into the school, Jerry Thompson, finance officer for the KVC, said there is handicap accessible parking behind the building and volunteers can assist veterans into the building.

After the service, area veterans are invited to attend a drive-by parade that goes down Vine Street and Central Boulevard past Central School at 11:30 a.m. and down to Visitation and Irving schools. Students from those schools will be out on the sidewalk and greet the vets as they drive by.

The Sunday before, Rich Woods will organize a free breakfast to honor both veterans and first responders.

The breakfast will be held at the Kewanee Elks Lodge on Tremont Street at 11 a.m. Dine-in or carry out are both available and a free-will offering is appreciated but not necessary.