Crowd enjoys ceremony and FREE lunch on Veteran’s Day
BY JIM BEERS
Contributing Writer
CHESTER – An annual Veteran’s Day tradition returned to the Chester Kaskaskia VFW Post 3553 Friday November 11 when it hosted the community Veteran’s Day Ceremony. This year’s program was titled, “Honoring ALL Who Served.”
Anthony West, Commander of the Chester Kaskaskia VFW Post 3553 served as Master of Ceremonies at the 2022 Veteran’s Day Ceremony help at the VFW. Jim Beers Photo
The event began at 11 a.m. with a welcome by Tony West, Commander of VFW Post 3553. He then turned the podium over the Pastor John Chamness of the Family Worship Center in Chester. Chamness gave the Invocation as well as a brief message regarding Veteran’s Day.
The Chester High School Band, under the direction of Steve Colonel, perform at the 2022 Veteran’s Day Ceremony. The group played the National Anthem and the Armed Forces Medley for the event. Jim Beers Photo
The Chester High School Band, under the direction of Steve Colonel, then played the National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” as everyone stood at attention and sang along with the musical accompaniment.
Randy Werner, Commander at the American Legion Post 487 in Chester provides several remarks and words of thanks at the 2022 Veteran’s Day Ceremony November 1 1 at the VFW in Chester. Jim Beers Photo
Next on the program was Randy Werner, Commander of the Chester American Legion Post 487. Werner thanked everyone for attending and briefly spoke about the meaning of Veteran’s Day.
He also thanked the local Boy Scouts for all of their hard work in preparing for the event and thanked the Chester High School Band for their continued loyalty and dedication in providing music for the annual ceremony.
Guest Speaker for 2022 was supposed to be Chris Copeland, however, Copeland was unable to attend due to an unforeseen engagement in Georgia. Commander Anthony West, who is a personal friend of Copeland and arranged for him to be Guest Speaker, was able to read Copeland’s planned message.
Copeland encouraged everyone to learn to serve one another and help those around them. He encouraged the young men and women in attendance to be patriotic and teach children to step up and serve others.
American service members have served fellow Americans both at home and abroad. West mentioned that he and Copeland had served together in both OIF 1 and OIF 2 and since then, Copeland has served in several other Federal Agent capacities.
Copeland noted that celebrating Veteran’s Day included veterans from all generations, both those who served in times of peace and times of war. “People of all walks of life should look back and be thankful for all that veterans have done for America throughout history.”
So much good comes from serving others. People should take pride in what Americans have accomplished through the joy, happiness, and efforts of those have stepped up and given service to others. In these troubled times, it is more important than ever to serve others who have kept America safe through their military service.
Chester VFW members, Mike Bierman (left) and Ed Stallman (right) stand at attention as the CHS Band plays the theme song for the United States Navy, “Anchors Away”, at the 2022 Veteran’s Day Program hosted by the VFW in Chester. Jim Beers Photo
Following the reading of Copeland’s speech, the CHS Band played, “Armed Forces Medley” during which all veterans in attendance were encouraged to stand and be recognized when the theme song for their branch of service was played.
A combined Honor Guard of VFW and American Legion members provide a 21-Gun Salute to honor Departed Veterans. Jim Beers Photo
A combined Color Guard of VFW and American Legion members then went outside in front of the VFW building and gave a 21-gun Salute to the many Departed Veterans who gave their lives in service to America.
Chester High School senior Jacob Handel plays TAPS at the 2022 Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the Chester VFW. Jim Beers Photo
Immediately following the salute, Chester High School senior trumpet player, Jacob Handel, played TAPS as a memorial to the fallen soldiers.
Pastor John Chamness of the Family Worship Center in Chester gave the Invocation and the Benediction at the 2022 Veteran’s Day Program held at the Chester VFW Post 3553. Jim Beers Photo
In closing, Pastor Chamness gave a brief Benediction along with words of support to veterans and praise for their service to America.
American Flags lined the streets of Chester in honor of Veteran’s Day Friday November 11. The American Flags are displayed for all major patriotic holidays by the Chester Boy Scouts. The Flags were originally made available by two Chester Boy Scouts who created the beautiful display as part of their Eagle Scout Projects. Kyle Mathis started the project and provided flags for half of the community of Chester and Jeffery Beers expanded the project to run all the way to the Randolph County Court House. Community members have grown over the past decades to expect the flag display at all major patriotic holidays. Jim Beers Photo
All guests were then treated to a FREE lunch prepared by members of the VFW.
These three chefs at the Chester VFW cooked and served a delicious meal at the 2022 Veteran’s Day Program Friday November 11. Pictured are Bobby Holley, Jim Caron and Carol Holley. The meal was fantastic and everyone in attendance at the ceremony was treated to a wonderful FREE lunch immediately following the conclusion of the program. Jim Beers Photo
The menu included sloppy joes, chips, hot dogs, and soft drinks.
These residents of the Manor at Craig Farms are American Veterans and attended the Veteran’s Day Program at the VFW Friday November 11. Pictured (left to right) are Leonard Dierks, US Army; James Jeremiah, US Army, Jack Watson, US Air Force; and Floyd Morgan, National Guard. Pictured with the Veterans are Farida Hollaway and Ellen Kautz of the American Legion Auxiliary. They presented Veteran’s Day cards to the four Veterans. Jim Beers Photo
In attendance at the event were four special guests from the Manor at Craig Farms. These residents of the Manor are United States Veterans and include Leonard Dierks, US Army; Floyd Morgan, National Guard; James Jeremiah, US Army; and Jack Watson, US Air Force.