Veterans were thanked and remembered for their service as the Enduring Freedom Veterans Day Remembrance Celebration returned to Kaskaskia College after a year’s absence due to COVID-19.
Guest Speaker Colonel Brian Alexander, the Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations and Commander of the OSI Third Field Investigations Region at Scott Air Force Base noted this is the 20th anniversary of the 911 terror attacks. He served twice in the war in Afghanistan that followed and promised those
who gave their all will not be forgotten.
Guest Speaker Colonel Brian Alexander. Photo credit: Pat Hodges.
“Their legacy lives on in service men and women and the idea that is America. And no terrorist anywhere can ever destroy that. As we raise our flag and as the bugle plays Taps, we remember that the men and women of America’s Armed Forces serve a great cost. They follow a great tradition handed to them by America’s Veterans. I celebrate that with you today.”
Alexander noted serviceman gave some of the best years of their lives to the country. He says they have been drawn from several generations and many backgrounds all that have attributed to the character and greatness of America.
Kaskaskia College Concert Choir. Photo credit: Pat Hodges.
College President George Evans welcomed the crowd and reminded them of the importance to honor those who have served and having their stories retold and remembered.
Evans introduced World War II Prisoner of War Vince Rolves who was held by the Germans for 18 months before being released. A
flag folding ceremony followed by the Beckemeyer American Legion Post 1227 Honor Guard. Assistant Professor of Radiologic Technology Candace Sloat who served in the US Air Force followed with the reading of the poem “A Veterans Day Tribute.”
