The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.



Palmer Tribute and Remembrance Ride

"As long as we remember, they shall not be forgotten"

Saturday, June 25 was a warm and sunny day for the Eighth Annual Cpl. Joshua D. Palmer Tribute and Remembrance Ride.

Opening ceremonies began at 9:00 a.m. with the presentation of the colors by members of American Legion Post #301 of La Harpe.

Boy Scout Troop 138 from La Harpe recited the Pledge of Allegiance .

After the playing of the National Anthem Rev. Rick Goettsche, Associate Minister of the Union Church of La Harpe, said the opening prayer.

Recognition was given to all veterans, past and present as well as to those who are currently serving.

Gold Star families were introduced and their sacrifice acknowledged.

In spite of the heat approximately 100 people participated in the ride.

Along the 160 mile route, participants stopped at 2 veterans memorials and 6 gravesites.

Two ministers accompanied the riders to the gravesites.

At each gravesite the fallen soldiers were honored with a verse, a prayer and a little history of the soldier.

In Lewistown a meal was provided by the VFW

In Bushnell, riders were welcomed by a line of flags.

All along the route, the riders were given an escort by local police and firemen.

Upon their return to La Harpe, riders, family members and friends were treated to a meal at "The Annex".

Delbert and Rhonda Kreps provided pulled pork, the La Harpe Firemen provided the potato salad, and Country Cafe provided baked beans.

The American Legion Auxiliary provided desserts.

After the meal, John Cook from the Rock Island Arsenal Chapter of the AUSA spoke to those present about where the money raised by this event, and other events like it, goes.

He spoke about support given to veterans and their families, and to Wounded Warriors.

Following Cook's speech auctioneer David Hobby began the auction of donated items which included donated food, gift baskets, craft items and much more.

The purpose of the event is to honor all veterans, living and dead, current service personnel and to recognize their service and their sacrifice.

Cpl. Palmer's mother, Carol Palmer was pleased with the turnout for Saturday's event and the way in which the La Harpe community along with family and friends have supported this event.

In the end, that's what it is all about, taking a negative and turning it around so that something positive comes out of it.