The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner
Saturday was the Stronghurst Veterans Memorial Fundraiser with many events from morning until 10 pm.
"The story of the day was the fact that we have two amazing WWII Veterans that are still living right here in Stronghurst," said Bonnie Carnes, who took this picture of WWII veterans Ralph Tatge and Wendall Fox.
"Two Godly Christian men that I have known my entire life, Bonnie said, who grew up in the same church as these two patriots (Stronghurst Christian Church).
Bonnie now lives in Nashville, TN working for Universal Music Group, Capitol Christian Music Group and Capitol Christian Distribution, but was home for this event.
Vietnam Veteran, US Marine veteran David Reid Clark, Monmouth Attorney was guest speaker.
"Clark gave an inspiring speech and reminded us all that our freedom is not free," Bonnie said, "that men and women serve and sacrifice everyday for that freedom. They deserve our respect and we should show honor to out veterans whenever we get the chance."
Bonnie went on to say, "What a beautiful memorial we have in Stronghurst. I am reminded of my dad and other family members and friends that served in the military each time I pass the memorial.
"It is wonderful that we have two WWII veterans still living in Stronghurst. I cannot think of two better men to represent our town and reveal the new battlefield cross than Ralph and Wendall."
Bonnie and others want to extend their appreciation to these veterans.
"Thank you Ralph and Wendell for your service, sacrifice, dedication and example to our country and this little town. Well done men!" Bonnie said.
Wendell Fox was drafted into the United States Army in 1945, serving in Washington state and Hawaii from 1945-46,
Ralph Tatge was drafted into the United States Army his senior year as a student at Stronghurst HS and left for duty after graduation serving in England, and France under General Patton's command. Ralph ended his service in Germany as a police sargeant until 1946.
Both men were honored by cutting the ribbon of the new addition to the memorial which Gabe Stevens, rural Biggsville owner of Masterpiece Customs was commissioned to design and fabricate in February. His design was a war memorial sculpture honoring the fallen soldier–a beautiful tribute.
Chuck Cole of Cole Implement said Gabe did much of the work at Cole's business in Media and it was so fascinating to see Gabe work on the details of the scupture, from using actual items of gun and helment which had to be fabricated to a larger scale, to the braiding of the steel shoe strings, which made them look authentic rather than made of steel. Gabe does his work as a hobby.
The Veterans Memorial dedication was also a fundraiser as the Stronghurst Booster Club continues to add to the Memorial.
The day included Lions Club breakfast at the Legion, inflatables for kids, a cookout at Fishers Food, a bag toss tournament, a silent auction in Flatt's building, and 50/50 drawings, chances on quilts, t-shirt sales, and ended with fireworks and a street dance until 10 p.m.. Rivals and Feedlot Grill offered food and drink and had tip jars until 8 pm that went toward the Veterans Memorial fundraiser.
The spray park was on and the Dr. Pogue memorial run walk was in the morning. The predicted rain stayed away and the weather stayed perfect for a successful day.
Two World War II veterans from left: Ralph Tatge and Wendell Fox, of Stronghurst were honored with cutting the ribbons early Saturday evening of the Battlefield Cross statues that were dedicated as part of phase II of the Stronghurst Veterans Memorial project. -photo contributed by Bonnie Carnes