Attention Turns to Korean & Vietnam War Vets in Du Quoin Veterans Day Planning
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Du Quoin State Bank president Dan Fulk and chamber president Fred Huff hosted a 10 a.m. meeting Wednesday in the bank's third floor board room to plan for Veterans Day 2011 events in Du Quoin.
The service of veterans of all wars will be recognized throughout the day on Friday, November 11. But, the focus of individual observances will shift to veterans of the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
One or more of this city's Korean War veterans will marshal this year's 5th annual Veterans Day parade through downtown Du Quoin. Lineup will take place at 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of North Hickory & West Main streets. The parade will move east on Main Street to North Washington Street and ultimately empty into Keyes City Park for the Veterans Day service hosted by the American Legion. Members of the VFW will attend, as well.
The service will be held in the center of the park, but many of those attending will get their first good look at the new veterans band pavilion on the south side of the park.
The parade will have approximately 25 entries. If your organization wants to participate, please contact Stacy Hirsch at the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce office at 542-9570 or dqchamber@comcast.net no later than Tuesday, November 1.
Veterans' families and residents are encouraged to go from the parade and Keyes Park ceremony to the Du Quoin VFW for an 11:30 a.m. memorial service and luncheon.
There, the Du Quoin Rotary Club and members of the VFW and Legion will honor the area's Vietnam veterans and their families. The Rotary Club in partnership with Du Quoin High School history students is undertaking its third and final book to honor local Vietnam War veterans. The Rotary's second book on the Koran War entitled "Lest We Forget" has gone to the printer and should be available for distribution within 30 days.
A special reception will be held in the coming days to present copies of that book to those who participated in telling their stories. The book will also be made available to the general public for holiday gift-giving.
Copies of the first book entitled "The Greatest Generation" are still available.
A letter from Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce director Stacy Hirsch and president Fred Huff states: "The Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce as an organization that supports our nation's armed forces is asking that you as an individual organization, and/or group to participate in this year's parade event. We realize this is an important day to recognize and remember the veterans who have served our country during times of war and times of peace."
Much more information will be made available as the planning continues.