Cold and Rainy Veterans Day Observance

Despite lousy weather, a good crowd attended the annual Effingham Veterans Day observance Tuesday on the lawn of the old Courthouse.

Guest speaker for the observance was Sergeant First Class Jeremy Deters of 1544th Transportation Company of the Illinois National Guard. Asked to summarize his remarks, Sgt. Deters said it was to remember that our veterans were there for us, so we as citizens should be there for them. He touched on efforts to help and heal those who've recently returned from combat in their battles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other results of war.

(SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JEREMY DETERS SERVED AS GUEST SPEAKER)

The vocal ensemble, "On High" shared several patriotic selections and First Presbyterian Church Pastor Drew Holloway offered the invocation and delivered the benediction. Several veterans organizations assisted the host organization, Effingham VFW Post #1769 with the flags, Taps and the gun salute.