'We Resolve That These Men Shall Not Have Died in Vain'

As two pairs of American bald eagles circled Keyes City Park at noon Saturday, the new Civil War memorial to the more than 90 Du Quoin men who lost their lives was dedicated. The emotional dedication was attended by approximately 100 local residents.

Civil War reenactors Allen Winthrop, Bill Day and Michael Perpoint set up a Civil War encampment in the center of the park starting at approximately 9 a.m. The day included the firing of an authentic Parrot 10-pound civil war cannon every half hour. The cannon is owned by Allen Winthrop from Elkville.

The noon service included an opening prayer, remarks by Mayor John Rednour, remarks by monument creator and project director Joe Stephens, the reading of a short biography of Capt. Guy Carlton Ward from Du Quoin, the reading of the names on the monument, the VFW honor guard salute, firing of the cannon and removal of the flag from the monument and the playing of TAPS.

Kelly Genesio played a soft drum roll as the names of those who had fallen were read.

The program lasted approximately one half hour on a cloudless day. The beautiful service came with a great deal of emotion as some welled up in tears as the names of each soldier were read.