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Benton Legion and VFW commemorate Veterans Day

  • VFW Quartermaster John Metzger listens as Ron Head gives an impromptu rendition of 'The Star Spangled Banner.'

    VFW Quartermaster John Metzger listens as Ron Head gives an impromptu rendition of 'The Star Spangled Banner.'
    Holly Kee photo

  • Holly Kee photoEmployees of Helia Healthcare of Benton spent the morning preparing a complimentary lunch of chili and hotdogs for the Veterans and their guests.

    Holly Kee photoEmployees of Helia Healthcare of Benton spent the morning preparing a complimentary lunch of chili and hotdogs for the Veterans and their guests.

  • Members of the Honor Guard perform the traditional 21-gun salute outside the entrance to Benton's Civil War Cemetery. For the full story, see page 3.

    Members of the Honor Guard perform the traditional 21-gun salute outside the entrance to Benton's Civil War Cemetery. For the full story, see page 3.
    Holly Kee photo

  • Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) was the keynote speaker during the ceremony at Benton's Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery.

    Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) was the keynote speaker during the ceremony at Benton's Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery.

  • Dr. Saeed Khan and his wife, Rizwana, attended both ceremonies Saturday. The Khans, who immigrated to America over 40 years ago, said they felt it important to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.

    Dr. Saeed Khan and his wife, Rizwana, attended both ceremonies Saturday. The Khans, who immigrated to America over 40 years ago, said they felt it important to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.

  • Holly Kee photoJay Piercy showed his respect during the traditional 21-gun salute at the Veterans' Day ceremony in Benton on Saturday. Piercy served in the U.S. Navy during Desert Storm while his father served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

    Holly Kee photoJay Piercy showed his respect during the traditional 21-gun salute at the Veterans' Day ceremony in Benton on Saturday. Piercy served in the U.S. Navy during Desert Storm while his father served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

  • Holly Kee photo A few guests took the opportunity to stroll through the historic Civil War Cemetery following the Veterans' Day ceremony. Located behind the American Legion, the cemetery is the final resting place for soldiers dating back to the American Revolution.

    Holly Kee photo A few guests took the opportunity to stroll through the historic Civil War Cemetery following the Veterans' Day ceremony. Located behind the American Legion, the cemetery is the final resting place for soldiers dating back to the American Revolution.

 
Posted on 11/15/2017, 4:52 AM

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2671 and American Legion Post 280, both of Benton, held ceremonies Saturday to commemorate Veterans' Day.
In keeping with the traditional 11-11-11, the initial ceremony began at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery at 11 a.m.
After remarks by John Metzger and Mayor Fred Kondritz, Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) gave the keynote speech. Addressing a crowd of about 50, Severin noted the contributions of veterans in protecting liberties, specifically religious freedom.
Before beginning his speech, Severin called on his friend, Ron Head, for an impromptu singing of "The Star Spangled Banner."
Following the placement of a wreath and the traditional 21-gun salute and playing of "Taps" by auxiliary members, the ceremony moved to the "Civil War Cemetery" behind the American Legion for another 21-gun salute.
Following the ceremonies, guests were invited to the Legion hall to enjoy a dinner of chili and hotdogs provided by Helia Healthcare of Benton.

 
 
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