The newly re-chartered Sons of the American Legion Squadron 464 in Conception Junction took on a big project right of the bat! They wanted to have a flightless honor flight for those veterans who could not take the trips to Washington D.C. with the Honor Flight program. Commander Steve Holtman led the efforts between Squad 464 and Post 464 members, along with others helping from the 4th District of Northwest Missouri area. The end result of all of this coordination and work was the 4th District's first-ever Veteran's Day of Honor. The event was held in the Fall at the brand new Maryville High School Performing Arts Center. The crowd was small but the emotions were huge. The event was an overwhelming success with future programs being planned for. SAL Squadron 287 Mike Walter and Mark Brock were instrumental in the planning stages and helped with the first program in Maryville. SAL Mark Brock is now heading a committee to put this same program on in the Savannah area, with concentration at smaller venues such as nursing homes, and the Andrew County Senior Center. The following pictures were taken by Post 287 Legionnaire and SAL member Steve Crockett.

 

 

Registration for the veterans and their guests

 

Registration Table

 

Registration continues

 

Emcee Mike Walter with the Post 464 getting ready to post the Colors

 

Posting of the American Flag

 

Posting of the POW, SAL 464, and Post 464 Colors

 

Completing posting of the colors

 

Star Spangled Banner played by Jefferson C-123 High School Band from Conception, MO

 

Opening prayer by Post 464 Legionnaire Charles Mattson

 

Pledge of Allegiance led by SAL Detachment Western Vice Commander Mark Brock from Squad 287

 

Roll Call of Veterans

 

Roll Call of Veterans

 

Roll Call of Veterans

 

Roll Call of Veterans

 

Roll Call of Veterans

 

Roll Call of Veterans

 

Roll Call of Veterans

 

Roll Call of Veterans

 

Post 464 Honor Guard Team introduction

 

Jefferson C-123 High School performs "America the Beautiful"

 

Missouri SAL Detachment Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Walter called out the Roll Call

 

Lunch intermission with standing ovation by the general public

 

Lunch intermission with standing ovation by the general public

 

4th District Commander (center) in attendance

 

Lunch intermission with standing ovation by the general public

 

Lunch intermission with standing ovation by the general public

 

Lunch intermission with standing ovation by the general public

 

General public at the performing arts center giving the passing veterans a standing ovation

 

Volunteers preparing to serve the lunch meal

 

Volunteers preparing to serve the lunch meal

 

Post 464 Charles Mattson delivers the prayer prior to the lunch meal

 

"Moment of Silence" led by Post 464 Charles Mattson. "Taps" was played by Ken Green (not pictured)

 

"Fallen Soldier" performed by Post 464

 

"Fallen Soldier by Post 464

 

Rifle placed by Robert Trautz, Post 464

 

Helmet placed by Shelia Trautz, Post 464

 

Boots placed by Bill McCrary

 

SAL Squad 464 handouts "Certificates of Appreciation" to the veterans

 

Past Department and Past 4th District Commander Marvin Harper (Post 102) delivers some closing remarks.

 

(Left to Right) Mike Walter (Squad 287), Steve Holtman (Squad 464), and Mark Brock (Squad 287)

 

Colors retrieved by Post 464 Jerry McCrary

 

Post 464, SAL 464, & POW flags retrieved

 

Colors retired by Post 464 Honor Guard Team

 

"Welcome Home" of veterans from the flightless program

 

"Welcome Home" of veterans from the flightless program

 

"Welcome Home" of veterans from the flightless program

 

Post 464 Shelia Trautz assists veteran being "Welcomed Home" from the flightless program

 

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