On Friday, June 29th, the Kenyon/Wanamingo second grade students, along with the Veteran's Honor Guard and the VFW Post 18, gathered together at the JV baseball field to dedicate a new flagpole on POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Second grade students Liza Van De Walker and Aubrey Kyllo did the honor of raising the flag for the first time.
VFW Commander Gary Floan explained the meaning of the flag to those who gathered in honor of our service men and women. The second grade students recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and Chaplain Larry Van De Walker read the POW/MIA poem. Larry Pederson was on hand to provide a few facts on the MIA recovery efforts, and Stu Hegseth honored the crowd by playing Taps.
A lot of thought, work, and generosity went into this project. The flagpole was paid for by the Wanamingo Veterans Honor Guard and VFW Post 186, with assistance from Jeff and Leon Nereson of B & N Construction. People's Energy Co-op donated $1,000.00 from their Project Roundup, and Scott Shane from Shane Electric donated the anchor ($650.00) and labor to install the spotlight. Lee Herrald from Herrald Flags in West Concord donated both flags to "top it all off".
Our Community really comes together to honor others. Having the second graders be a part of the ceremony and dedication will remain a learning experience for them for the rest of their lives. Honoring our men and women in service to our country is an ongoing commitment that we can all be proud of, and a part of, everyday. Thank you to all the benefactors, volunteers and members for showing our love and pride for those who serve, and have served. And be sure to check out the new flagpole as you attend the ball games this year!