National Guardsman from around the state will attend a dedication ceremony in Chariton next month.

The first of six benches is being consecrated at a ceremony honoring citizen soldiers at the Lucas County Veterans Memorial Park. Organizer Earl Comstock came to Knoxville to tell KNIA/KRLS News Chariton no longer has a National Guard Armory and he hopes to see many active and retired guardsman from Marion County attend the ceremony, which will feature a keynote address from Brigadier General Steven Altman, Deputy Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. The ceremony will be held December 13 at 2 p.m. The day will mark the 420th birthday of the National Guard in North America.