06/01/2018
In celebration of the additional names being installed, the Jim Beasley Veterans Tribute Committee will be hosting a Re-Dedication Ceremony on Wednesday, June 6 at 6:30 pm on the main campus of Kaskaskia College.
Kaskaskia College President Emeritus Dr Jim Underwood will be the featured speaker at the event, which will be held in front of the Tribute, which is located on the south end of the college’s west parking lot. Dr Underwood, who is a retired Lt. Colonel in the US Army Infantry, is a longtime supporter of the Tribute project, having served as a founding member of the Tribute committee.
The evening will also feature the United States TRANSCOM Color Guard from Scott Air Force Base, a 21 gun salute by the Beckemeyer American Legion Post 1227 honor guard, and a performance by a combined choir featuring the Kaskaskia College Choir and members of the community under the direction of Lynda Marshall, Associate Professor of Choral Music at Kaskaskia College.
Crews are currently working to install 22,848 names of veterans and their branches of service to, two of the concrete walls added to the Tribute last year. Once completed nearly 50,000 names will be featured at the Tribute, which was established to honor and recognize the service of area veterans, with room for additional names. Tribute Committee Chair Jim Beasley notes, “As we celebrate the installation of new names, the committee felt it was a proper time to celebrate the Tribute, and rededicate ourselves to honoring veterans for their service.”
The Tribute Committee is continuing to raise funds for future additions to the Tribute, as well as names of veterans to install on site. For more information, you can contact Jim Beasley at 618-292-4461.
