The public is invited to view a Veterans Day ceremony held 11 a.m. Nov. 11 outside the American Legion Post 111, 1101 W. Fourth St. S., in Newton.
Mady McKim, the historian of the local American Legion, said the Honor Guard will formally present the colors and play “Taps” during the ceremony. Emceeing the event will be post commander Jerry Nelson and guest speaker Lt. Col. John Cunningham of the Iowa Army National Guard.
Also included in the ceremony are the American Legion Riders, Newton American Legion Auxiliary and Newton VFW Post 1655. After the ceremony, guests may stick around for a social hour. McKim said it is important for the American Legion to honor the men and women in service on Veterans Day.
“We have to continue recognizing our veterans,” McKim said. “We have a hard time getting the younger ones in here, and we’d like the younger ones in here. We gotta keep these American Legions open. So many have closed in the past couple of years, and the pandemic did not help.”
McKim also serves on American Legion’s Honor Guard, a position she and the others involved take very seriously. To her, it’s always important to recognize those who served their country, even more so on Veterans Day. That sentiment is also shared by fellow Honor Guard member Tim Johnson.
“We have to honor our fallen comrades,” he said. “It’s a duty. It’s a duty we owe to them. And it’s a tribute. It shows we care about one another.”
American Legion Post 111 not only provides funeral services for veterans but also Honor Guard routines for community activities, such as local sporting events. The American Legion also distributes about a dozen or so $500 scholarships every year and regularly holds community events.
Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com