6 • Vol. XII, Issue III, Holiday 2019
ILLINOISouth.org
Veterans Thank You for Your Service!
by Pat White
Nearly every city and village in ILLINOISouth has a memorial honoring those who have served our country in the military. Often, it’s located at a park as in Germantown, O’Fallon, Vandalia, Olney and Steeleville, and sometimes in a central location like the courthouse or public square. No matter the location, it’s an important reminder that our freedom comes at a price.
Jasper County Flags Fly for Veterans On Nove m b e r 1 1 , n o m a t t e r t h e w e a t h e r, t h e grounds of the Jasper County Courthouse will be covered with more than 500 American flags. All the flags are displayed on individual flagpoles and honor veterans who have a connection to Jasper County. Each one is marked with the name of a member of the Armed Forces and the war in which they fought (from the War of 1812 – present), or honor a POW, a veteran killed or missing in action, or someone on active duty now. Many of the flags were originally draped over a coffin, but new ones are purchased each year to recognize a veteran living or dead. There is even a special group of flags for nurses who served. This year, two married couples have flags dedicated to them (a first!).
The American Legion Post #20 has been collecting and putting up the flags on Veterans Day for the past 20+ years. They also take them down and store them for the next Veterans Day. In addition to the flag display, there is a program beginning at 10:30am featuring a local school band, a guest speaker and a group photo of all the veterans present. Following that is a ham & bean lunch. Even if you don’t know anyone in Jasper County, the display will make your heart sing!
Crosses Honor Fallen Veterans
Da y t o h o n o r Crawford County’s fallen soldiers. Members of the American Legion make the crosses some have photos, all have names. This year, 320+ crosses will be placed on display on November 11. At 11:00 a.m., there will be a Veterans Observance Color Guard and all the names will be read. What a beautiful and moving tribute!
Every national cemetery has rows and rows of white crosses or headstones marking the graves of fallen heroes. Even if no one there is known to you, the sight is a stark reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. In 1998, the owner of Pulliam Funeral Home in Oblong decided to erect white crosses on the grounds Facebook; 302 E. Main, Oblong; of his business on Veterans 618-592-4221 Pulliam Funeral Home
, Oblong
Jasper County Courthouse, 100 W Jourdan St # 1, Newton American Legion Post #20, 618-783-2622
Courthouse Display,
Newton
