Delavan prepares send-off for soldiers

[April 18, 2007]  DELAVAN -- The 1144th Transportation Battalion of the Illinois National Guard, located in Delavan, is leaving for active duty in the Middle East later this month. To honor them, many activities will be taking place this weekend.

A complimentary chicken dinner for the soldiers and their families is planned for Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. This will be on Pine Street directly in front of the armory. The community is invited to attend, but there will be a donation charge to the public.

At 3 p.m., there will be a deployment ceremony at the armory. Military and civilian dignitaries will be featured to honor the servicemen and women. The Illinois Liberty Band, under the direction of Steve Skinner, will provide music beginning at 2:40.

On Monday, there will be a parade leaving from the Armory at 8:30 a.m., proceeding to West Third Street, through the downtown on Locust Street and east on Fifth Street to Veterans Park, where buses will transport the soldiers to their next training station.

Proud citizens of Delavan, this is our chance to show the entire nation our community, our patriotism and the support we provide to our soldiers. CNN, along with other media outlets from central Illinois, will be in attendance. In addition to the signs, there will be many decorations, flowers and flags displayed. We are asking all business owners and private citizens to decorate your buildings and homes with flags, yellow ribbons and patriotic signs. And, above all, we need to have you in attendance on both Sunday and Monday for this historic event! This is our opportunity to show these dedicated soldiers our deep appreciation for their service and give them a send-off to remember until they return to us next year.

To volunteer, make a donation for a sign or for the dinner, please contact Harriet Szadowski at 309-241-5456 or Debbie Anello at 309-241-7175.

[Text from file received]