LET FREEDOM RING
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The 42nd Annual Patriotic Ceremony was held at Ft. Kaskaskia on July 4. The ceremony is normally held on Kaskaskia Island, but due to flood waters it was moved. Even with the location change, a large crowd attended the event.
Guest speakers were Colonel Auston E. Gene Smith, USAF (Ret.). Smith was representing the Confederate Army. Ted Mueller, reenactor was representing the Union Army, Both men gave detailed speeches.
Speakers included Master of Ceremonies Don Welge; Danny James, Pastor Mark Willig; Emily Lyons, curator, Randolph County Archives and Museum; Darrell Duensing, Site manager with the Illinois Historic Preservation?Agency; Chester Mayor Joe Eggemeyer, Kenneth Ragland, Commander VFW Post 3553; Roland Wagner, Commander American Legion Post 487 and Perryville Mayor Deborah Gahan.
Also in attendance were the French Marines, commanded by Major William McKnight. The Marines are devoted to the re-enactment of the history of the French and Indian War period. They participate in may ceremonies held at Fort de Chartres including the Fort de Chartres Rendezvous. Their company of Marines is made up of individuals from Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.
The Chester Municipal Band played patriotic selections for the crowd. The National Anthem was performed by Brittany Williams.
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