Sept. 28 ceremony in Milton to recognize people who served in World War II

MILTON, Ill. — The Milton Military Mustangs of WWII committee will be holding a ceremony at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, on the Milton village square to honor the 125 people from that community who served in WWII.

The program will include a color guard from the American Legion, opening remarks by Lt. Col. Craig Rush USMC (Ret) and State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer.  The main event will be the reading of the veterans’ names by their relatives, along with a brief military biography that includes rank, campaign engagements and earned medals. The program will conclude with the planting of flags, a six-gun salute and Taps.

A 36-page booklet entitled “Greater Milton Community in WWII-Service Biographies,” which includes photos and short histories of the honorees, will be available the day of the ceremony for $5. All proceeds will go to the Milton Mustang Fund.  This fund has been established at the Farmers State Bank in Pittsfield for the maintenance and future improvements such as security lighting.

To contribute to the fund, write a check to the Village of Milton, P.O. Box 68, Milton, IL 62352 or directly to the bank. Add “Milton Mustang Fund” on the memo line of the check.

In a press release, Howard Thurmon, committee chair, said, “We are presenting this monument to the people of Milton as testimony to the courage of these individuals. We hope that as individuals pause and view this memorial that honors these fine men and women they will not just treasure their past bravery, but they will gain a perspective on what can be integrated into our own lives from the experiences of these veterans who freely gave so much.”