Vandalia, St. Elmo hold Memorial Day Programs

The American Legion Posts in Vandalia and St. Elmo held Memorial Day programs over the weekend.

In St. Elmo, the program included the dedication of the community’s new Veterans’ Memorial. The memorial, which is located just west of the Phillips Building on U.S. Route 40, includes the names of 466 local residents who have served this country since the War of 1812.

The speakers at the St. Elmo program included Judge S. Gene Schwarm, state Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Greenville) and National Road Association Executive Director John Goldsmith.

Braxton Denton was the keynote speaker at the Vandalia program. Other speakers included Vandalia Police Chief Larry Eason and Vandalia Community High School student Brittney Bennett.