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Historical Society to Host Memorial Day Celebration
May 23, 2016
The Sappington-Concord Historical Society will return to St. Lucas United Church of Christ to host the biggest, little annual Memorial Day celebration in South County. This year’s event will be at 10 a.m., Monday, May 30, on the green at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Road, 63126. (“The green” is the large, open lawn just east of the church along Denny Road.)
Musicians from the Lindbergh High School Spirit of St. Louis Marching Band will kick off the celebration, with the St. Louis Marine Corps League advancing the colors. Boy Scout Troop 646 from St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and LHS sophomore Rachel Nieters will sing “God Bless the USA.”
This year’s event will feature a remembrance of Patriot Guard Rider Mark Schroeder, who was killed this March while riding his motorcycle in a Patriot Guard funeral procession. Mark had been a ride captain since 2011 and had participated in the Memorial Day ceremony for several years.
“Mark Schroeder was dedicated, funny in a quiet way, and a great guy all around,” said Patriot Guard Ride Captain Denny Eads.
The guest speaker will be Ret. Brigadier Gen. Ronald I. Botz, who served as commander of the 404th Chemical Brigade in the Illinois Army National Guard. The event also features a tribute to prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action by Mr. Bob Pieper and the Mehlville Fire Protection District. CW5 Randy Ottinger (Ret.), a veteran helicopter pilot who served in Iraq, will be Master of Ceremonies. An American Bald Eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary will make an appearance before the celebration, and doves of peace will be released.
Johnny’s Market Memories
The historical society will have a booth at this year’s event to collect residents’ memories, stories and photos about Johnny’s Market for a special online compilation that is being created. Also featured will be information about an archaeological dig event at Sappington House, June 1-11, which will include LHS students.
Event Details
The ceremony is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and parking will be available on the east parking lot at St. Lucas (please enter through the west parking lot entrance). Following the ceremony, all are invited to attend a reception in the auditorium at St. Lucas. There will be “Hometown Heroes” books for sale, and light refreshments will be served.
The Sappington-Concord Historical Society will return to St. Lucas United Church of Christ to host the biggest, little annual Memorial Day celebration in South County. This year’s event will be at 10 a.m., Monday, May 30, on the green at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Road, 63126. (“The green” is the large, open lawn just east of the church along Denny Road.)
Musicians from the Lindbergh High School Spirit of St. Louis Marching Band will kick off the celebration, with the St. Louis Marine Corps League advancing the colors. Boy Scout Troop 646 from St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and LHS sophomore Rachel Nieters will sing “God Bless the USA.”
This year’s event will feature a remembrance of Patriot Guard Rider Mark Schroeder, who was killed this March while riding his motorcycle in a Patriot Guard funeral procession. Mark had been a ride captain since 2011 and had participated in the Memorial Day ceremony for several years.
“Mark Schroeder was dedicated, funny in a quiet way, and a great guy all around,” said Patriot Guard Ride Captain Denny Eads.
The guest speaker will be Ret. Brigadier Gen. Ronald I. Botz, who served as commander of the 404th Chemical Brigade in the Illinois Army National Guard. The event also features a tribute to prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action by Mr. Bob Pieper and the Mehlville Fire Protection District. CW5 Randy Ottinger (Ret.), a veteran helicopter pilot who served in Iraq, will be Master of Ceremonies. An American Bald Eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary will make an appearance before the celebration, and doves of peace will be released.
Johnny’s Market Memories
The historical society will have a booth at this year’s event to collect residents’ memories, stories and photos about Johnny’s Market for a special online compilation that is being created. Also featured will be information about an archaeological dig event at Sappington House, June 1-11, which will include LHS students.
Event Details
The ceremony is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and parking will be available on the east parking lot at St. Lucas (please enter through the west parking lot entrance). Following the ceremony, all are invited to attend a reception in the auditorium at St. Lucas. There will be “Hometown Heroes” books for sale, and light refreshments will be served.
For more information, please visit www.schs.ws, contact schs.webmanager@gmail.com, or call Steve at 314-918-1617.