SALINE COUNTY -- Veterans throughout Saline County received recognition for their service to their country as part of local Veterans Day ceremonies.
"Our veterans and the sacrifices they have made are the reason we are here," former Harrisburg Police Department chief and Sons of the American Legion member David Morris told those gathered at Harrisburg's American Legion Monday morning.
Harrisburg's ceremony saw many local veterans recognized for their service. Other local groups attended to thank veterans. The American Legion ceremony saw members of the Michael Hillegas chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Saline County 4-H members and leaders, Harrisburg High School's basketball team and coaches and Harrisburg Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in attendance.
In Eldorado, members of the Shawnee Forest DAR chapter, along with American Legion Post 169, VFW Post 3479, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 169, VFW Auxiliary Unit 3479 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 169 laid ceremonial wreaths in remembrance.
On Sunday, Galatia Historical Society held a veterans remembrance ceremony, featuring bagpipe players. Jonathan Russell conducted the program and was joined by state Rep. Patrick Windhorst of Metropolis and former state representative and Galatia teacher James Eatherly.
At Southeastern Illinois College, Community Chorus Director Tim Green led the chorus in singing patriotic tributes to veterans. The chorus was joined by the Southern Illinois Concert Band of West Frankfort, conducted by David Wicks.
State Sen. Dale Fowler spoke to the audience, reading a letter from a veteran who helped rescue a sinking boat of Vietnamese refugees years ago. Fowler also thanked veterans for their service.
Carrier Mills-Stonefort Grade School held a veterans program Friday morning, and SIC held a veterans recognition program that afternoon featuring Carrier Mills veteran Josh Richardson.
