At 11 a.m. on Monday, the Chester V.F.W. and the Chester American Legion once again worked together to host a moving Veterans Day program and delicious luncheon.
The event alternates each year, and this year it was the VFW's turn to host the event.
Guests were welcomed to the program by Tony Payne, commander of Kaskaskia VFW Post 3553. The Rev. Mike Fogerson provided the invocation and the Chester The The Chester High School Band, under the direction of Steve Colonel, performed the national anthem.
In his opening remarks, Chester Mayor Tom Page said Chester has always been wonderful at honoring local veterans and he thanked the VFW and American Legion for their efforts.
After "America the Beautiful," Ben Picou, commander of Chester American Legion Post 487, told the audience that Chester had been very welcoming to him upon his return from Vietnam and that he has always been very proud of the way veterans have been treated in Chester. He was also very appreciative of the efforts taken to host the celebration being attended at the VFW on this date.
The keynote address was given by Dave Dunkel, a representative of the Missouri National Veterans Memorial in Perryville.
The memorial project began in 1968 when Jim Eddleman, a Perryville soldier, made a promise to himself while in the middle of the Tet Offensive. He vowed that if made it out of Vietnam alive he would work to honor his comrades. In 2016 plans finally came together and in 2017 a board of directors began meeting weekly to guide and direct the project.
The Missouri National Veterans Memorial now stands on 45 acres at 1172 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Perryville, Missouri. Its mission is to provide an environment of peace and reflection as a tribute to America's servicemen and women and their families. It is a place where liberty is celebrated, veterans and families are recognized and all find a sense of peace.
The Memorial is located in Perryville, Missouri. One of the many focal points of the site is the full-scale black-granite replica of the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C.
The 45-acre site has potential for many added attractions and expansions. Hopes are for a Veteran's Hall for events, a water feature, a viewing pergola, pavilions, a cemetery, an amphitheater, an inclusive playground, and other memorial spaces. Dunkel encouraged everyone to visit the memorial and take advantage of its beauty and peaceful environment.
Following Dunkel's presentation, the CHS Band performed "Armed Forces Medley," and veterans were encouraged to stand as their respective theme songs were played.
The band then played "Ashoken Farewell" as a tribute to fallen soldiers.
Immediately following the tribute, a joint Honor Guard of VFW and American Legion members went outside and fired a 21-gun salute after which Blake Zappa, trumpet player in the CHS Band, played "Taps."
The program concluded with a Benediction provided by Rev. Fogerson. Immediately following the program all guests in attendance were invited to stay for a free lunch of sloppy joes, hot dogs, potato salad, pork and beans, potato chips and beverages.