ANDOVER, Ill. -- Once a year, citizens of Andover, Ill., formally congregate at the lake in town and remember those who served their country in defense of the nation.
The "Salute to Veterans" ceremony was held at Andover Lake Park, June 8, next to three memorials with veterans' names etched in them.
Andover is a town of 578 people located about 30 minutes southeast of Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. It was founded in 1835.
The road leading up to the park was lined with American flags.
Lt. Col. Frank Gilbertson, Army Sustainment Command deputy chief of staff for Strategic Plans, spoke about the honor in serving and the importance of never forgetting the sacrifices made.
"Today, Andover is dedicating a monument to all those who served in America's involvement in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and have taken part in the War on Terror that began when our nation was attacked on September 11, 2001," said Gilbertson.
The ceremony included bagpipe music and the singing of the Battle Hymn of the Republic as event organizer and American Legion Post 465 member, Dan Swanson, read the names listed on the memorials. Family members placed a single yellow rose on the memorial when their loved one's name was called.
The ASC color guard posted and retired the American flag and American Legion Post 465 provided the honor salute.
"It is an honor to be asked to support these events," said Staff Sgt. Gene Lucas, ASC chaplain assistant and member of the color guard. "It is important that we remember those who came before us."
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