Ottawa American Legion Post 33 seeks veterans for 24-hour vigil

Any veterans out there have a few minutes to stand up for your comrades at arms?

The Ottawa American Legion Post 33 is again planning a Veterans Day program for Nov. 1 and 2, but it could use a little help with one of the most meaningful and emotional portions of the commemoration: the 24-hour Veterans Honor Guard Vigil.

For each of the past 15 years, members of the Legion and other veterans groups have taken a turn at the Veterans Memorial in Washington Square, standing at attention with their weapon at their side for 15 minutes as they and others remember fellow veterans they served with who were killed in action, survived and have since passed, and are unable to attend the celebration.

There have been several instances when veterans standing their turn have been joined by family and friends who wish to honor absent veterans, or the widows of fallen veterans. There is a sentry post added for veterans who are wheelchair-bound or cannot stand for the full 15 minutes.

According to Post 33′s adjutant John Duback, there are 96 time slots, and only one-third of that number are filled. The opening five hours is pretty full, but there still are openings in the overnight hours after midnight, some in the early hours of Saturday morning about 5 to 6 a.m., and again that day in the late afternoon about 4 p.m.

“There’s room for anyone to help us honor our veterans,” Duback said.

Any veteran, whether they are members of an organization or active duty personnel who would like to honor the military by taking a turn, should call Duback at 815-993-3956, email chongofsb@yahoo.com or visit the Legion itself at 901 La Salle St. in Ottawa after 11 a.m. weekdays.

The vigil will begin with the Legion’s lead honor guard at 5 p.m. Friday, immediately after a special ceremony this year honoring veterans who were members of the submarine service. Ottawa Mayor Robb Hasty is scheduled to be one of the featured speakers.

Also on Friday, the public is invited to enjoy coffee and snacks under tents provided by Illinois Valley Labor Management. There also will be the Avenue of Flags, provided by Ottawa First, as well as an assortment of military vehicles on display. Children and adults who would like to have pictures taken in and on the vehicles are welcome.

Saturday will see the John F. Kennedy Sea Cadets out of Chicago on duty from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the Tunes of Glory bagpipers will provide music from 3 to 5 p.m.

On both evenings, Flutes for Veterans will provide music and information.

The closing ceremony will be at 5 p.m. Saturday with remarks from officials, a rifle salute and the playing of taps.

“It does keep expanding, and I have a few more ideas that will take it to the next level in the future,” Duback said. “The more people involved, the better. We’re looking for a beautiful fall day and another wonderful turnout.”

The sponsors of the event are the Legion Post 33 family and Boy Scout Troop 744; the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2470 family; the AMVETS Post 30; the 82nd Airborne Division; the John Steele chapter of the Illinois Valley Marine Corps League; Detachment 78; and many other veterans, organizations and well-wishers, Duback said.