Alva Courier American Legion Post 487 hosts 2025 event with support from Chester VFW Post 3553
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – Tuesday November 11 was Veterans Day 2025. It was a brisk, breezy day with early temperatures in the low 40’s, but the sun shined brightly for the most part and it was a glorious day to celebrate our nation’s veterans.
This year’s Veteran’s Day Celebration was hosted at the American Legion Post 487 Hall and staff had the auditorium beautifully decorated in red, white, and blue décor.
The 2025 event had two missing individuals. Lee and Farida Hollaway recently moved to northern Illinois to be closer to family. They both played major roles in all patriotic ceremonies in Chester for more than 50 years. Their presence was sorely missed, however, American Legion and VFW personnel managed to host a very impressive event to honor our Veterans.
The program began precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a warm welcome by Paul McCormick, Commander at the Alva Courier Post 487 American Legion. McCormick, who is the new Commander at the American Legion, thanked and recognized Randy Werner, Past Commander, for all he did for the Legion as previous Commander. He also extended thanks to Steve Colonel for always bringing the Chester High School Band to the Veteran’s Day Ceremonies.
Rev. Dr. Mike Fogerson followed with a heartfelt Invocation. Fogerson then asked everyone to stand for the playing of the National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” Steve Colonel, Chester High School Band Director, then led the Chester High School Band in performing the Anthem. The band did a wonderful job.
After the completion of the National Anthem, Kaskaskia VFW Post 3553 Commander, Byron Childs, provided remarks on behalf of the VFW, and Chester Mayor, Joe Eggemeyer provided remarks on behalf of the City of Chester. Childs stated that he highly appreciates all of the support the community gives to local veterans.
Mayor Eggemeyer thanked organizers from the American Legion and VFW for the remarkable job that they did in organizing and implementing the Veteran’s Day event. Eggemeyer then thanked the Chester Boy Scouts for not only displaying all of the American Flags throughout town, but for their attendance at the ceremonies and assistance they give to the Legion and VFW at the Veteran’s Day Program.
Mayor Eggemeyer then recognized Steve Colonel and the CHS Band for the wonderful music they provide each year for the patriotic ceremonies. Finally, Eggemeyer said, “There are no better history teachers than our veterans, so please talk to them after the program and learn what they can teach you!”
The Guest Speaker for the event was Chris Mathis. He was a Marine Veteran, and admitted that he was quite a history buff. Mathis works for Comwell and wanted to inform everyone that Comwell provides much care for local veterans.
Mathis said, “The CCBCH is a grant program for veterans and their families. Veterans actually have many resources available through the VA, but many are reluctant to ask for help. I enjoy my job at Comwell and love providing veteran’s care!”
Mathis was born in Cypress, Illinois to a family of military relatives. He notes that the military is a brotherhood and that the camaraderie is what is so special about serving in the armed forces.
“The greatest honor in my life was serving in the military for my country. The greatest shame of our country was how we treated Vietnam veterans when they returned home from serving in the military”, said Mathis.
Mathis spent quite a bit of time telling the crowd about his grandfather’s experiences during World War II as a POW. He also told of his service experiences as a United States Marine and his time spent in the desert defending our country.
Mr. Mathis was very lively and kept the attention of the audience throughout the entire presentation. He strongly encouraged everyone to honor veterans and thank them for their service. Most people in attendance gave rave reviews of Mr. Mathis’ heartfelt presentation and apparent devotion to the military and those who served in it!
Next on the program was recognition of the veterans in attendance with the playing of the “Armed Forces Medley” by the Chester High School Band. As the band played the theme songs of the respective branches of the Armed Forces, members of those branches were asked to stand and be recognized. At the same time, a member from each branch of service brought forward the flag of that respective branch. This portion of the program is always a rich and meaningful item on the program.
Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force and Navy branches were recognized. Plans are in the making to add the United States Space Force to the agenda as soon as a theme song is published for purchase and use.
Immediately following the Armed Forces Medley, a combined American Legion and VFW Honor Guard moved outside for a 21-Gun Salute and the playing of TAPS to honor fallen veterans.
The Honor Guard consisted of Kenny Ragland, Officer of the Day, and Honor Guard members Terry Hirte, Rick Huey, Mike Bierman, Ed Stallman, Mike Hoelsher, Neal McDonough, and Stanley Eggemeyer. Kendall Nanney, a junior at CHS played TAPS.
The 2025 Veteran’s Day Ceremony closed with a moving Benediction by Rev. Dr. Mike Fogerson. He also blessed the food that was about to be served as part of the festivities. Everyone in attendance was treated to a FREE lunch which included Sloppy Joes, Jumbo Hot Dogs, Chips, homemade Brownies and Chocolate Chip Cookies, and a variety of soft drinks.
In conclusion, the event was enjoyed by all and definitely honored veterans both present, passed and absent. The post-ceremony fellowship was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all.
VFW Post 3553 Commander, Bryan Childs, provides remarks at the 2025 Chester Veterans Day Ceremony. This year’s event was hosted at the American Legion in Chester. Jim Beers Photo
Chester High School musician Kendall Nanney played TAPS at the 2025 Chester Veterans Day Ceremony Tuesday November 11. Nanney is a junior trumpet player at CHS and has performed TAPS for two years at both the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day events. Jim Beers Photo
American Legion Post 487 Commander, Paul McCormick, gives a warm welcome to everyone in attendance at the 2025 Veteran’s Day Ceremony held at the American Legion in Chester. He also provided remarks on behalf of the Legion. Jim Beers Photo
Rev. Dr. Mike Foregson of the First Baptist Church in Chester gave both the Invocation and Benediction at the 2025 Veteran’s Day Ceremony hosted at the American Legion in Chester, Jim Beers Photo
Chester Mayor Joe Eggemeyer gave remarks at the 2025 Chester Veteran’s Day Ceremony Tuesday November 13. Jim Beers Photo
Local Veteran’s had special seats at the front of the American Legion for the 2025 Veteran’s Day Ceremony. Approximately 20 local Veterans were guests at the event. Jim Beers Photo
The MIA-POW table was present at the 2025 Chester Veteran’s Day Ceremony Tuesday November 12. The event was hosted at the American Legion Post 487 Hall. The MIA-POW Table is set to remind everyone that there are still soldiers that are missing action (MIA) or Prisoners of War (POW). These soldiers are not able to attend events since they are missing or still in prisons. The empty seat at the table still awaits their return. Jim Beers Photo
A full house at the Chester American Legion Hall Post 487 was on and to enjoy the 2025 Veterans Day Ceremony Tuesday November 12. The event was enjoyed by all. Jim Beers Photo
The Guest Speaker for the 2025 Chester Veteran’s Day Ceremony was Chris Mathis of Steeleville. Mathis was a United State Marine and a Veteran of Foreign military action. He now works for Comwell and is involved in Veterans Services. He gave a wonderful talk that covered his own personal military history, his grandfathers’ experiences as a WWII Prisoner of War, and his impressions of numerous other veteran-related affairs. His messages were well-received and very well presented! Jim Beers Photo
The 2025 Honor Guard fired 1 21-Gun Salute to honor our fallen veterans. Pictured (left to right) are Kenny Ragland, Officer of the Day, Terry Hirte, Rick Huey, Mike Bierman, Ed Stallman, Mike Hoelscher, Neal McDonough, and Stan Eggemeyer. The Honor Guard is made up of members of the American Legion Post 487 and the Chester VFW Post 3553. Jim Beers Photo
Steve Colonel, CHS Band Director, leads the Chester High School Band in playing the National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” to open the 2025 Chester Veteran’s Day Ceremony. The band later performed “Armed Forces Salute” as members of all branches of the service were honored. Jim Beers Photo
Veteran Members of the various branches of service proudly display the flags of their respective branches of service during the 2025 Chester Veterans Day Ceremony. The flag bearers came forward as the Chester High School Band played the theme songs of their branch of service. All five branches were represented including Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, Marines, and Navy. The Space Force will be added soon when a theme song becomes available for purchase. Jim Beers Photo
Pictured is the Head Table at the 2025 Chester Veterans Day Ceremony held at the American Legion Post 487 in Chester. Left to right are Rev. Dr. Mike Fogerson of the First Baptist Church in Chester, Mayor Joe Eggemeyer of Chester, Paul McCormick, Commander at American Legion Post 487, Chris Mathis, Guest Speaker, and Bryan Childs, Commander at Chester VFW Post 3553. Jim Beers Photo