A military veteran and fellow legionnaire went to the Andrew County Commissioners and offered to fund a monument to recognize the area's first responders and military veterans. The end result was an 8 foot black marble monument erected on the Andrew County Courthouse grounds (southwest corner). After the monument was installed, it was decided to have a dedication in conjunction with the 2017 Memorial Day Ceremonies. Local dignitaries were invited to speak to the areas military veterans and first responders. Representing the first responders included: Savannah Police Department, Andrew County Sheriff Department, Andrew County Ambulance District, Savannah Fire Department, and all the other volunteer fire departments throughout Andrew County. Dick Munkres American Legion Post 287 provided the honor guard, and the Post 287 Auxiliary provided refreshments at the conclusion of the event. WWII Veteran and Legionnaire Everett Powell was honored guest to unveil the monument. Helping him were: Chris Wheeler, Heidi Wheeler, & Madison Baumann. Special thanks to Legionnaire Ron Shepherd, who as the Post 287 Public Relations Officer organized the whole event working with the Andrew County Commissioners: Bob Caldwell, Fritz Hegeman, and Gary Baumann. Sadly, Legionnaire Shepherd has since lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.

 

 

Crowd for the Andrew County Memorial Dedication

 

Crowd for the Andrew County Memorial Dedication

 

Crowd for the Andrew County Memorial Dedication

 

Crowd for the Andrew County Memorial Dedication

 

The wind causes the flag to snag on the ladder

 

Flag freed by Fire Chief

 

Opening remarks by Commissioner Bob Caldwell and Legionnaire Ron Shepherd assisting

 

Posting of the Colors by the Honor Guard Team

 

Post 287 Rifle Team there to render honors

 

Memorial Monument prior to the unveiling

 

Unveiling of the Monument by Everett Powell, Chris Wheeler, Heidi Wheeler, & Madison Baumann

 

Unveiling continued

 

Unveiling continued

 

Unveiling Completed

 

"First Responders"

 

Andrew County First Responders

 

Introduction of Guest Speakers by Legionnaire Ron Shepherd

 

Guests: Delus Johnson, Bryan Atkins, Pastor Steve Thaler, Don Dillman, Dan Hegeman, and Legionnaire Everett Powell

 

Missouri State Senator Dan Hegeman

 

State Representative Delus Johnson

 

Savannah Mayor & Post 287 Commander Don Dillman

 

Sherrif Bryan Atkins

 

Closing Remarks from Bob Caldwell

 

Refreshments served by the Post 287 American Legion Family

 

Refreshments served by the Post 287 American Legion Family

 

1st Responders & Veterans Memorial Monument

 

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