Mokane veterans to receive special recognition

AmVets Post No. 153 will honor Mokane veterans 1:30 p.m. Sunday during a ground breaking ceremony of its new memorial site.

Area veterans, especially those from Mokane, who served in the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom will receive a special tribute.

"I think it's important for all communities to have this to not forget about our true heroes, our veterans," Bob Spencer with AmVets Post No. 153 said.

Veteran Harold Lloyd Boone, 86, spent a large part of his childhood in Mokane (his mother's side is from the town) and he will be the first to put shovel to ground at Sunday's festivities. Boone served in the World War II, Korea and Vietnam wars.

Spencer said the memorial has been in the works for about a year now, and Sunday will also act as a fundraiser. Donations will be accepted throughout the event.

A $10 plate of chicken or fish, baked beans, cole slaw and french fries will be served at noon. Musicians from Jefferson City will provide the entertainment from 2 p.m.-6p.m.

Once erected, Spencer said the memorial will look similar to the one outside the Fulton VFW Post, and half of the monument will bear names of Mokane veterans and the other half will be for other veterans. Three flags will be displayed at the memorial. Those interested can purchase a brick for $20.