There are about 3000 veterans in Marion County, and this weekend is a chance to thank each one of them as well as remember those who have passed. Veterans Day activities began in Knoxville yesterday morning. Veterans and volunteers set up flags across Graceland Cemetery and held a short ceremony afterward. Veteran Jack Spaur says that this weekend brings veterans of all wars and ages together. He notes that there are many young veterans of recent wars that have started interacting with older veterans from the Vietnam and Korea era. Activities continue today, with an American Legion program at Wal-Mart. That begins at 1pm. Tomorrow morning, service flags will be set up at the Memorial on the Knoxville square at 7am.

Saturday
1:00 pm – American Legion program at Wal-Mart – Cake will be served

Sunday
7:00 am – Service flag Set-Up at Memorial on the square

Monday
7:00 – 10:30 am – Free veterans breakfast at the National Guard Armory (sponsored by Hy-Vee)
10:30 am – Veterans Program at Knoxville Senior Center (“Women in Service”)
2:15 pm – Flag raising at West Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation
3:00 pm = Flag lowering at Graceland Cemetary

Below is the proclamation that Mayor Zoutte has signed proclaiming November as Veterans Appreciation Month:

WHEREAS, America was founded on the principle of individual liberty; and

WHEREAS, Freedom is not free but is bought at great price; and

WHEREAS, Much personal sacrifice is paid by the members of our armed
forces, the men and women who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marine Corps and the Coast Guard, on behalf of all of us; and

WHEREAS, All citizens are beholden to the veterans who risked life and
limb to preserve the liberties and freedoms we take for granted; and

WHEREAS, Men and women who have served in the armed forces
have earned the status of veteran, which is an honorable and praiseworthy
appellation; and

WHEREAS, November 11 of every year is set aside as a national holiday
to honor our nation’s veterans; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 3,000 veterans reside in the City of Knoxville
and Marion County.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Donald Zoutte, Mayor, City of Knoxville Iowa proclaim the month of November 2012 as Veterans Appreciation Month in Knoxville in recognition of the personal sacrifices these honorable and praiseworthy individuals have made, and I urge all citizens to reflect on said contributions and express their appreciation to the veterans they know. Take just a minute this month to Thank a VET

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