OTTAWA AMERICAN LEGION POST 33

For Immediate Release

96 Veteran Volunteers Needed

The 11th Annual Veterans Honor Guard Vigil will be held at the War Memorial in Washington Square, downtown Ottawa. The Opening Ceremony will be on Friday, Nov. 1 at 4:40 PM; the Closing, at 5:00 PM on Saturday, Nov. 2nd. Ninety-six volunteers are needed for each of the 15-minute shifts. For questions or to sign up, call John at 815-993-3956, or email at "adjutant@ottawaalpost33.com" . The main signup sheet is posted at the Ottawa American Legion, 901 LaSalle St; open after 10 AM.

A Command Post tent will be in the area of Columbus at Lafayette Streets. Family members/fellow patriots may stand duty with each veteran's shift; wear weather-appropriate clothing. No alcohol is allowed in the park. Courtesy coffee and snacks will be available. Military vehicles will be on display. The War Memorial, Sentry Post, and portable restroom are all handicap-accessible. The Ottawa First Committee (Fireworks and community service projects), with the support of Illinois Valley Labor Management, will again have the 50 State Flags on display. The "Tunes of Glory" Bagpipers will play appropriate music on Saturday, 3 to 5 PM. The John F. Kennedy Sea Scouts will share duties on Sat., 11AM-1PM. New this year: The American Legion Amateur Radio Club (TALARC) will have a Field Day Exercise, where all interested can learn new skills.

The Vigil is held before Veterans Day as a reminder to thank all veterans for their service; for veterans to thank our fellow patriots for their support at home and abroad, and for us all to honor those who have paid the greatest sacrifice. We point ahead to the Ottawa Memorial Association's Veterans Day Ceremony at 10:15 AM on Monday, November 11^th, same location.

Duties are again shared by our area veteran groups and Auxiliaries, and Boy Scout Troop 744. Donated food items are welcomed!