Rosalians honor veterans

Rosalia

John Custer, Post Commander at Rockford Post #7815 and Accredited Assistant Department Service Officer, salutes as Boy Scouts look up at the ascending flag.

Rosalia Chamber of Commerce sponsored the Veterans Day program held at the Rosalia Veteran Park Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. Pat Voge, chamber president, welcomed everyone and thanked those who helped create the park and new Veteran Gate including Ed Holmes, Bill and Alice Hoffmann and Viva Jean and Ken Hames.

Rosalia Mayor Jim Stenhouse greeted everyone and reminded all of the importance of honoring Veterans in the work force.

Rosalia Boy Scouts with leaders Brad Hodges and Pat Brown presented the United States Flag and gave the flag retirement ceremony. Collin Pittmann, sixth grade Rosalia student, sang the National Anthem.

The Rev. Mike Cooper, a Viet Nam veteran, gave the invocation. Mike Day presented the local VFW with an appreciation plaque.

Speakers included Veterans Allen Ashworth of Deer Park, who spoke on the costs of freedom, Rockford VFW Past Commander John Custer speaking on VA benefits and Rosalia Purple Heart Recipient Roy Huckaby.

The Daughters of the American Revolution State Chaplain Julie Pittmann presented the DAR wreath and thanked the 42 million Veterans who have served this country during times of conflict since the 1770s.

Collin Pittmann completed the musical portion of the program by singing the songs of each branch of military service. Rosalia High School freshman Lucas Engel played taps.

The VFW Honor Guard of Bill Hoffmann, Ken Hames, and Bill Tensfeld concluded the program with a presentation of volleys. The Chamber sponsored a reception at the Brass Rail.

Rosalia Boy Scouts were guests for a tour at KHQ television studios Nov. 9. They were given a tour of the studio and invited to stay and watch a news broadcast from behind the cameras. The scouts were allowed to visit with newscasters Dan Kleckner and Stephanie Vigil after the broadcast.