As its annual duty, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, American Legion Post 328 honored America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of Country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Beginning about 10:55 a.m., Thursday, November 11, 2023, a short, solemn ceremony took place at Veterans Park and Memorial, in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, IL, opposite Northside School.
Jerry Brearton offered remarks about the origin of this ritual. On November 11, 1918, an Armistice (formal cease fire) was signed between Germany and The Allies, during what we now call World War I. It was not a formal surrender by Germany. He called for a moment of silent gratitude and respect. Participants faced East–in the direction where the horrific battles had raged across Europe. Veterans Day is observed as Remembrance Day in Europe.
Morrison Fire Department’s newest Volunteer Firefighter, Alayna Haan, sounded the City-wide siren for one minute. There were three rifle volleys by five American Legion members. As their rifle fire faded, Carolyn Aiken played “Taps.”
Left-to-right are Color Guard Dennis VanZuiden; Post Commander Larry Zuidema; Terry Jones; Kenneth Petersen; Robert Brands; Larry Saling; Brearton.
Last year, Brearton gave the following Whiteside News-Sentinel photograph to the Editor, which he estimated to be from about 1970. It was taken at S. Base and Main Street, Morrison.
