Chester salutes those who served
The annual Veterans Day Ceremony hosted by the Chester American Legion Post 487 and the Chester VFW Post 3553 was a huge hit with those in attendance.
Legion Commander Ben Picou and VFW Commander Tony Payne teamed-up to organize a "top-notch" program which was held at the American Legion Hall.
Commander Ben Picou welcomed everyone and presented awards to several Past Commanders who were in attendance before starting the official Veterans Day Program. The 631st Engineer Support Co. of the Illinois National Guard presented the colors after which the Chester High School Band played the "National Emblem March" as the Color Guard recessed.
The band then played the national anthem as the entire group in attendance joined in by singing the "Star Spangled Banner." Justin Massey of the St. John Lutheran Church gave an Invocation. It was noted that Massey was a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
The POW/MIA Ceremonial Reading was quite emotional after which Commander Picou made several comments and presented several awards. Picou noted that membership in all veterans organizations was getting smaller and smaller over recent years. He encouraged greater participation and membership recruitment in the future.
The Chester High School Band then played, "America the Beautiful", after which Picou introduced Jeff Warhausen, Master of Ceremonies, who also welcomed everyone and praised the efforts of the Legion and VFW in hosting the 2018 event.
VFW Post 3553 Commander, Tony Payne spoke next and commended the Legion and VFW for all of the many community contributions that they make each year. Payne further encouraged eligible potential members to join the various veteran organizations in order to keep the great works going.
Chester Mayor Tom Page thanked everyone for coming to the event on a cold day, especially the veterans, the Boys Scouts, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Chester High School Band as directed by Steve Colonel.
With that said the CHS Band performed the "Armed Forces Medley" which features the theme songs for the various branches of the United States Military. As those theme songs were played, members of those branches of the service stood to be recognized and honored.
MC Jeff Warhausen then introduced four Guest Speakers who were very special women who have been directly involved with positive programs which support U.S. Veterans.
The first speaker was Karen Leavitt Stallman who represented the Liberty Bell of the West Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Stallman spoke for approximately 10 minutes and m=noted all of the involvements that DAR has had over the years which supported veterans.
Mary Bohnert, a Chester Resident and "Blue Star Mother", spoke about several topics including the "Blue Star Mother" Program, treatment of soldiers returning from active service, her own personal involvement with having two sons in the armed services, and her experiences as a teacher at Chester Grade School in relation to teaching students to be knowledgeable about servicemen.
Jamie Tylka, a U.S. Military Veteran who is now a Marketing Manager for Walmart educated everyone about the numerous activities that Walmart is actively involved which help to support veterans. She recounted her personal experiences with Walmart over the years both as an active member of the armed services and now as a full-time employee.
The final speaker was Ann Flanagan who is the Past Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Illinois. Flanagan was quite proud of the many community services and programs which are afforded on a continual basis through the Legion Ladies Auxiliary including the Illinois Girl's State Program, The Emergency Fund Program, Volunteer activities at Veterans Homes as well as numerous ongoing programs for female veterans.
The Chester High School Band then accompanied a very moving video titled, "The American Soldier" which used the song, "You Raised Me Up" as background music. This moving 10-minute presentation featured photos of servicemen and women involved in active duty.
Immediately following this very emotional presentation a combined Firing Squad comprised of men from the American Legion and VFW conducted a "21-Gun Salute to Our Departed Veterans" after which CHS trumpeters Courtney Winkler and Jakob Cushman played TAPS.
Justin Massey then led the entire group in a Benediction of reciting the Lord's Prayer. The Chester High School Band then performed, "Ashoken Farewell" and the 631st Engineer Support Co. of the Illinois National Guard retired the colors to the tune of "National Emblem March" performed by the CHS Band.
After the conclusion of the program everyone was invited to stay and enjoy a most delicious lunch prepared by the American Legion Auxiliary. The menu consisted of pulled chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, pickles and slaw. Beverages and brownies were served for desert.<object id="Extra Pictures" type="x-im/image" uuid="A304889C-39D8-4399-B59E-0C3BC29925A2"><links><link rel="self" type="x-im/image" uri="im://image/A304889C-39D8-4399-B59E-0C3BC29925A2.jpg" uuid="A304889C-39D8-4399-B59E-0C3BC29925A2"><data><title><![CDATA[