COVER STORY

Members of the Lanark Community Club (LCC) work diligently Saturday to set in place 73 memorial stones in the first of three walls for the Lanark Veterans Memorial at the Lanark Cemetery. The wall will be ready for the Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 26, featuring Congressman Don Manzullo as guest speaker.

Overseeing the work are (far right, l to r) LaMoille Poffenberger Sr. Vice Commander, and Mike Reed, both representing the American Legion Post. The volunteers for the LCC are (l to r) John "Possum" Mueller, Tim Garner, Lynn Landherr, and Lanark Mayor Kevin Barnes. Volunteers from Burkholder & Sons Pre-Cast made the molds for and set the walls last week.

Poffenberger said this is an ongoing project, with Eagle Scout candidate Jake Thomas of Lake Carroll hoping to have his Eagle Scout project approved soon. Thomas wants to install 2 flag poles near the main flag pole, one for the State of Illinois flag, and the other for the POW flag. He will also place shrubbery around the back of the memorial walls. (PA photo/Tom Kocal)

Work continued on the Lanark Veterans Memorial Wall on Monday evening, May 12. Preparing the area for the concrete base are (l to r) Melvin Colberg, Larry Koning, Mick Guentner, Anthony Burkholder, and Scott Blair.If you would like to place your beloved Veteran's name on the Memorial Wall, contact LaMoille Poffenberger at 815-493-2412. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Burkholder)

Veterans Honoring Veterans

Ed Arb, guest columnist

Have you ever wondered who the people were carrying a flag or rifle in a parade, at a school function, or at a funeral? May they are somebody's uncle, brother, father, or mother or the neighbor down the street. One thing they do have in common is that they are all veterans who have served our country within the military. Their stories, duties, and experiences are as varied as the individual. One thing is for sure: they did their duty for their country.

These groups of veterans, known as the Honor Guard, assemble at these varied functions to present our nation's colors. Another duty of this Honor Guard is to pay tribute to all veterans by performing full military rites at their funerals.

It is NOT a requirement that Honor Guard members be a member of the VFW or American Legion or any specific military organization. The only requirement is that the man or woman has served our country honorably in the military. We want all military personnel to know there is no charge for this service. (A card of thanks is always appreciated and donations are always welcome.)

At one time, we had sufficient numbers to field a full Honor Guard, but many are becoming older and some have passed away. We are an all volunteer group and always looking for new members. It's hard to get young members to step in and take up the slack. Never the less, we are committed to our duty and stand ready to pay tribute to any veteran at his or her funeral. Between the VFW of Savanna, American Legion Posts of Savanna, Thomson and Mt. Carroll, no veteran needs to do without a military burial. All honorably discharged military personnel below the rank of General are entitled to three rifle volleys. Generals and U.S. Presidents receive a 21-gun (cannons) salute. To request this service contact your funeral home.

Some of us may be uncertain about many things today, but we are extremely certain regarding the respect and honor owed to those who are serving and those who have served our nation in war and peace.

God Bless America and its Veterans!

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