The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Village Dedicates Memorial June 30th
On Sunday evening, June 30th, a newly constructed Veterans Memorial in Stronghurst was dedicated with the Village of Stronghurst in charge of the ceremony.
The veterans memorial has nine flagpoles with flags representing Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, the P.O.W. the USA, the Merchant Marine, and Illinois.
The memorial is located just east of the Bank of Stronghurst and directly in front of the new Stronghurst water tower along Main Street.
Stronghurst Mayor Brendan Schaley welcomed around 75 who attended the event on a hot muggy evening.
The American flag was raised by World War II veterans Ralph Tatge and Ron Schaley, assisted by veterans Norman Menzenberg and Jim Blender. Following the raising of the American flag, the West Central band, conducted by Director Matthew Stewart, played the Star Spangled Banner.
Veterans who participated in raising the service flags included: John Allen, Ralph Tatge, Dominic DelCarlo, Don Babcock, Todd Lange, Norm Menzenberg, Jim Blender, Ron Schaley, Ranita Countryman, Randy Jarvis, Travas Countryman, Doug Hale, James Hale and Bruce Caldwell.
At the raising of each flag the band played the song that represented that branch of the service.
Commander of the American Legion Post #765, Jim Blender, gave closing remarks. He asked everyone to stand for a moment of silence in rememberance of all the past veterans who had given their all for our country's freedom.
The program concluded with all present joining in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Following the ceremony the public was invited to the Legion Hall for refreshment of cookies and a drink served by the American Legion Auxiliary #765 ladies.
Besides the Village of Stronghurst several generous people made contributions toward this important Veterans Memorial giving sod grass, cement, flags, money, etc..
Bank of Stronghurst; David Knutstrom; Shane Reed Electric; Stronghurst Booster Club; Johnson Sod Farm; Stronghurst American Legion Post 765; Bushnell VFW Post 1422; Gittings Family; J & M Displays; West Central District 235 Band; Security Savings Bank; Juanita and Randy Jarvis.
Commander Jim Blender American Legion #Post 765 spoke at the dedication.