Shenandoah’s Annual Veterans Day Ceremony took place Sunday November 5th, at 3pm at Veterans Park on Virginia Avenue. Shenandoah’s Mayor Lucas walked up to the center podium in the park. This podium had the following inscription etched on the front of it Dedicated To All Veterans Past, Present And Future We Remain Free Because Of Your Sacrifice. He welcomed everyone to the ceremony and then led everyone in prayer. Afterwards everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Lucas spoke about the meaning of Veterans Day, and how he was drafted during the Vietnam War. He recognized a few town citizens that were currently on active duty. Mayor Lucas also recited a poem that he had obtained from his granddaughter. Mayor Lucas commented about the bricks in the wall behind him. He said that the Town Hall is still compiling a waiting list for future bricks for the wall, and stated that the veterans did not have to be from Shenandoah. He commented that there is a brick in the wall from a Veteran from Shenandoah Iowa. The Mayor’s daughter Monica Brewer sang More Than a Name on a Wall. Vice Mayor Bill Kite sang a song that he had written called God, Mon and Dad.
Towards the end of the program, a lady in the audience stated that she was a little late in attending the ceremony and requested everyone recite Pledge of Allegiance again with her. The ceremony ended with the song God Bless America Again. Scout Leader Phil Secrist brought his scouts from Scout Troop 8 to assist with set up and tear down of the chairs. As the audience was leaving the ceremony, they walked over by the wall that displayed the following: We Honor All Who Have Served And Are Serving To Protect Our Freedoms.
The attached photographs were taken by Amos Thomas.
