The Rowley Masonic Community Veteran Wall was unveiled Thursday afternoon in ceremonies that honored 18 Rowley residents who are veterans of the U.S. military.
Honored were U.S. Army veterans Jon Peters, Clark Pohl, Mike Sloss, Richard Foresman, Spero Davis, Ben Vannatta and Tom Hicklin; U.S. Navy veterans Lester Mitchell, Richard Meadows, Bill Robertson, Bill Brewer, Everett Randall, Earl Benjamin and Carl Schnnor; and U.S. Air Force veterans Karen Lee, Ivan Winger, Gale Whiton and Syd Anderson, a veteran of Great Britain’s Royal Air Force.
The ceremonial event opened with a welcome and a prayer from Rowley Masonic Community Administrator Kate Klimesh. Certificates of recognition and lapel pins were then distributed to the 18 resident veterans, to resident spouses of veterans and to veterans in attendance.
“The Rowley Masonic Community is so thankful to the veterans who served our country,” said Klimesh. “We know their sacrifice and commitment ensured our freedom. It is truly our honor and privilege to have them call the Rowley Masonic Community home.”
The Rowley community was assisted in the ceremoines by event partner Kindred Hospice of Panora.
“This is a special event that we are proud to participate in,” said Nicole Steffen, hospice specialist with Kindred Hospice. “It’s the kind of thing that sets us apart in the crowded field of hospice services.”
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Veterans Wall outside the Theater Room in the Rowley Main Hall. Each of the 18 veterans is pictured on the wall, which is organized by service branch. The U.S. Marine Corps is not yet represented on the Veterans Wall.
