Veterans honored by St. John UCC youth group

[November 07, 2011]  The closer time gets to Veterans Day, the more events include former military personnel as speakers, honorees and recipients of acknowledgements for their service. An entire evening was dedicated to local veterans on Sunday, hosted by a generation of young people far removed from the military duty experienced by their guests.

The youth group from St. John United Church of Christ, Lincoln, has hosted an event for veterans for the last 10 years. This year's event was on Sunday evening at the American Legion Post 263 in Lincoln. The youth group conducts fundraisers and accepts donations for an entire year in order to provide a special event that includes a meal, refreshments and entertainment for veterans and their spouse or guest.

The youth group also offered a souvenir picture of each veteran. The Don Smith Band provided dance music. Halfway through the evening a tribute was made to each branch of the armed forces.

Invitations are sent to veterans listed on the membership rolls at American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in Logan County, and an invitation is extended via local news media. Over 200 individuals attended the 10th annual Veteran's Celebration and Recognition Dance on Sunday.

Jonathan and Tami Pagel are the youth group leaders. At the event, Tami said about the youth group's effort: "They really work hard for this event. Their fundraisers throughout the year are for just this night.

"The Charity Guild from the church is helping to keep trays filled and providing service at the refreshment table. We appreciate their time," she added, "but the kids really deserve a lot of credit for their efforts and dedication to honoring the veterans."

Special thanks go to American Legion Post 341 of Atlanta, American Legion Post 506 of Emden, American Legion Post 263 of Lincoln, American Legion Post 447 of Mount Pulaski, VFW Post 756 of Lincoln, VFW Post 777 of Mount Pulaski, Lincoln AMVETS Post 71, Culver's, Lincoln IGA, Kruger Farmers' Grain Elevator, Kroger, Lincoln Printers, the Don Smith Band, Val Coombs, Bob and Sandy Meinershagen, Betty Moriearty, Jonathan and Tami Pagel, Wallace and Tonita Reifsteck, Donald and Helen Werkman, youth group parents and family, St. John UCC Germanfest Committee and Outreach & Publicity Ministry, St. John UCC Charity Guild and the congregation.

[By MARLA BLAIR]