The Village of Kell dedicated a Veterans Memorial on the village hall lawn on Saturday.
Shawn Woodward led the effort of the village board in memory of his late father Jack Woodward and served as master of ceremony for the event.
Shawn says the metal frame that holds a flag from each of the six military services was built by Jessie Wooden of Salem who donated his work in memory of Jack.
The keynote speaker was Army retired and Kell native Ron Alvis.
“I believe that veterans should be the pride of our nation, for they are the guardians of our liberty,” Alvis said. “Their courage has been tested, and their sacrifice has been made. Veterans carry the weight of history on their shoulders.”
The flag from each service was then put in its placeholder with a wreath designating the service in front of the flag display.
The oldest living veteran in Kell, James ‘Jim’ Boozer, was honored with a homemade clock.
Veteran Jim Boozer is presented with a homemade clock in thanks for his service. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The Centralia Fire Protection District hoisted a large US Flag above the ceremony with additional vehicles from the Kell Fire Department. The Kell Cowpunchers 4th members led the crowd in the pledge of allegiance.
