Ceremony to honor veterans includes 'Parade of the American Soldier'

A new black granite military memorial will be dedicated Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m., at historic Balltown Cemetery. The memorial honors all veterans of all branches of service. --submitted photos

Area residents will have an opportunity to honor the veterans in their families and their communities at a special ceremony to be held at Balltown Cemetery in northern Vernon County. On Sunday afternoon, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m., a new black granite military memorial will be dedicated at Balltown, and a Civil War burial area will be rededicated.

Balltown Cemetery is located 8 miles north of Nevada (8 miles south of Rich Hill) on U.S. 71 to the Horton exit and then 1 mile west.

In addition to local VFW, American Legion and Vietnam Veterans organizations, there will be participation from Civil War re-enactment units, Cottey College music program, Nevada Junior ROTC and recognition of veterans in attendance. State Representative Barney Fisher will deliver the dedication address.

Phelps Camp No. 66, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, will present the "Parade of the American Soldier." This features Camp members in the uniform of the common soldier of the Revolutionary War through the current War on Terrorism with authentic uniforms, weapons and equipment for their time period. The "Parade of the American Soldier" is a very popular tribute to honor our nation's military.

The National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, gun salute and Taps will be a part of the ceremony. Arnold Schofield, Historical Society of Kansas, will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Veterans are invited to wear their uniform or a hat, etc., with their unit or branch of service; and personal tributes may be placed at the memorial at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Please enter the cemetery via the east or west driveways. Additional nearby parking will be available. Please bring lawn chairs. Portable restrooms will be available.

The Civil War Grand Army of the Republic burial plot has been completely renovated, with stones cleaned and reset. New coping, sidewalk and a flagpole also were installed. The history of the Mt. McGregor Post 252, GAR, is engraved in granite at the base of the flagpole.

The dedication ceremony is sponsored by the Vernon County Historical Society, Balltown Cemetery Board, and the Tri-County Genealogical Society.

For additional information, see www.rootsweb.com/~motcogs/ or call (417) 922-3596.