Rimsie McConiga
Special to the Citizen
The Veterans Day Ceremony took place Nov. 10 at the Platte City Veterans Memorial at Settler’s Crossing Park, which is home to the USS Platte Veterans Memorial. It is a monument which was dedicated Nov. 11, 2016 to the men and women who have served their country in the armed forces. The event was hosted by the City of Platte City, the Daughters of the American Revolution (Platte Purchase Chapter) and VFW Post 4055.
The monument’s centerpiece is the main anchor from the fleet oiler, USS Platte.
The event began with a convocation by Michael Lazio and a welcome by mayor Frank Offutt, who expressed the community’s gratitude to military members.
Col. Michael R. Fogal was the guest speaker. He retired from the Marine Corps in 2008 after 30 years of military service. “Veterans, current servicemen, previous servicemen, they have a tremendous feeling for the American people and the country,” Fogal said. “And we truly love this country and they have made sacrifices for it. We are so proud of you and we are so thankful for the time and effort that you gave.”
About 20 Boy Scouts from Troop 351 and 30 Cub Scouts from Troop 248 attended the event.
VFW Post 4055 presented a POW flag to Offutt.
Servicemen and women were honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution during the Patriots Recognition and wreath laying. The DAR chose three Patriots of the Month in 2019, including one active duty honoree, Lt. Col. Tracy Davenport Beattie, United States Air Force, and two Korean War veterans, Milton Leibee and Donald Soper, both Navy veterans.
After a military flyover there was a rifle salute by the Color Guard and Taps was played.