2019/10/28 - Mayor's Column: Help Us Celebrate Veterans' Day
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
November 11th marks an important day in American history. It marks the 101st Anniversary of the end of WW I. Veterans Day was originally formed as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans – living or dead.
There are over 18 million veterans in the United States, 7.3% of the American population over 18 years of age. The percentage of O’Fallon residents (over 18 years old) that are veterans is well over double the national average. As such, the celebration of Veterans Day has an added importance in the City of O’Fallon.
I want to encourage the entire O’Fallon community to help us celebrate this year’s Veterans Day. The Annual Veterans Day Parade begins at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2019 at the O’Fallon Community Park. The Parade will end at the O’Fallon VFW Post 805, 221 West First Street.
In addition to the Parade, the annual Veterans Day Program will be held on Monday, November 11, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Veterans’ Monument, 737 East Wesley Drive.
At the Veterans’ Day Program on Sunday, November 11, 2019, the guest speaker will be Major General Deborah L Kotulich, Chief of Staff, US TRANSCOM. I am honored to join the other participants including: the O’Fallon District 90 & St Clare School 5th Grade Music programs; OTHS AFJ ROTC; VFW Post 805; Miss O’Fallon Hannah Bennion; Mr. Frank Martinez, Sr. Chief Petty Officer (Ret.), Veterans of WWII, Korean & Vietnam wars; Chaplain Jeromy Wells, Major, USAF, 375 AMW/HC, the USAF Honor Guard Rifle Team, among many others. The names of 17 newly inscribed veterans will be introduced at this time.
I hope to see many of you at these events!
In other news, a group of local citizens, businesses, and civic groups will be hosting a free Thanksgiving meal at Faith Lutheran Church, 520 E. Highway 50, on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
I encourage all those who may be hungry, lonely, or are not able to afford a Thanksgiving meal to come and enjoy a full stomach while spending time with others in the O’Fallon community. My wife Nancy and I will help with many others to serve food at this meal.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!