Veterans Day parade, ceremony and lunch on Thursday

The Du Quoin city, chamber and VFW will host a full complement of Veterans Day activities on Thursday, starting with a Veterans Day parade and ending with a ceremony and lunch at the VFW.

All residents are invited, whether they come from military or nonmilitary families.

"It's always gratifying that people support the veterans, and in this city they do," said Archie Hamplemann, commander of the Du Quoin VFW Post 513.

"The veterans appreciate the tribute that we give them," and people in Du Quoin enjoy being able to be a part of it, he added.

The parade will step off at 10 a.m. on Thursday from the corner of Hickory and Main streets, led by U.S. Navy veteran and Korean War vet Gerald Piper of Dowell, this year's Grand Marshal. he will be driven in the parade by another Korean War veteran, Du Quoin's Doc Holladay.

The parade will line up in the Banterra Bank lot. People and groups who want to be part of the parade should contact the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce at duquoinchamber@gmail.com. Lineup begins at 9:15 a.m.

Hamplemann said veterans who want to walk in the parade are invited to come, and walk behind the honor guard.

The parade will proceed east on Main Street to Washington Street and will conclude at Keyes Park, where the VFW honor guard will fire volleys in honor of veterans.

Following the parade and rifle volley, everyone is invited to meet at the Du Quoin VFW Post 513 on Route 51, for a memorial service and lunch. Both will be held inside, beginning at 11:30 a.m., Hamplemann said, in case the weather does not cooperate.

People can dine in the VFW Hall, but residents who are leery of COVID-19 can pick up a lunch and carry it out, Hamplemann added. He said people who want to do carryout should call the VFW in advance and place an order, at (618) 542-5731.

Meanwhile, the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce is keeping an eye on the weather for Thursday. Stay tuned to the Chamber's Facebook page for announcements about the parade.