The McDonald County Historical Society will recognize and honor McDonald County veterans during a special candle-lighting ceremony on Nov. 11. Organizers need help, however, in securing photos and information to create the unique program.
The program, which will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, will take place at the Pineville Community Center.
The society hopes the ceremony will highlight the sacrifices made by 17 veterans who gave their lives during World War I, said Historical Society president Karen Dobbs.
Volunteers thought the idea for the candle lighting during the ceremony would be especially touching for those attending.
"We had observed the candle lighting in a military ceremony and decided to integrate that in our program. We thought it would be very meaningful and show respect and honor for our veterans," Dobbs said.
Organizers held a program last year and wanted to expand it this year, she said. With the anniversary of World War I, volunteers wanted to highlight veterans and the sacrifices they made.
"We invite all veterans and their families to attend as we show our respect and gratitude. The year 2018 is the centennial of the end of World War I and, as part of our Veterans Day program, we will join Americans across the country in remembrance of those who served and sacrificed," Dobbs said.
More than four million American families sent their sons and daughters to serve in uniform during the Great War, Dobbs said.
The statistics are staggering: 116,516 U.S. soldiers died from combat and disease. Another 200,000 were wounded, a casualty rate far greater than in World War II, she added.
In McDonald County, more than 382 soldiers answered the call to service.
Of those, 17 soldiers from the county sacrificed their lives during World War I, Dobbs said.
Organizers want to contact any family members of these 17 soldiers: Walter Baldwin, Goodman; Basil W. Brown, Pineville; Clancey E. Bunch, Pineville; Raymond M. Carney, Anderson; William P. Cover, Anderson; Everette A. Crispin, Noel; James O. Emery, Pineville; Albert B. Hackney, Pineville; Albert Hopkins, Rocky Comfort; Joseph F. Hutchinson, Anderson; Marion T. Legore, Cyclone; Virgil F. Link, Rocky Comfort; John L. Madden, Anderson; Clarence Oakes, Noel; William D. Pendergraft, Jane; Daniel T. Rogers, Anderson; Charley Schneider, Anderson.
Anyone who has photos or information of any of the veterans is asked to contact the McDonald County Historical Society at [email protected] or by calling 417-223-7700.
General News on 10/04/2018