Cold, Wet, Blustery Veterans Day Observance in Effingham

(THE EFFINGHAM COUNTY COURTHOUSE MUSEUM SERVED AS THE BACKDROP TO THIS YEAR'S VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE IN EFFINGHAM)

A cold, wet and blustery Veterans Day observance was held Monday in downtown Effingham.

The conditions led to the decision to begin the ceremony a few minutes early. DAV Chapter #7 of Effingham and their Ladies Auxiliary served as host organization for this year's observance and Commander Dave Althoff served as emcee.

(CHRISTY CYRUS AND THE ST. ANTHONY HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROVIDED PATRIOTIC MUSIC FOR THE CEREMONY)

Due to a rib injury, John Schimmelpfenning did not serve as guest speaker, but he was on hand to hear the remarks he wrote that were read instead by Tony Koester. The remarks noted that the freedoms we have in the United States are in place thanks to the veterans who have kept the nation free.

(TONY KOESTER)

Ceremonies have taken place in most area communities. Altamont also held its Veterans Day observance on Monday with St. Rep. Blaine Wilhour and Congressman John Shimkus serving as guest speakers.