Local veterans prepare for their day

News

November 3, 2011 - 12:00 AM

Lt. Col. Shawn Manley, installed this summer as commander of the National Guard’s 891st Engineer Battalion, will deliver the keynote address at the Nov. 12 Veterans Day celebration in Iola.
Manley has been a member of the 891st since 1989. He was commissioned through Candidate Officer School in July 1991. He has a degree in engineering management from Pittsburg State University and is working on a master’s degree in the same discipline at PSU.
Manley has served in various positions at all levels with the battalion and was in Iraq throughout 2005. He and wife Lisa, with children Colton and Grayson, live in Topeka.
The headquarters company of the 891st is stationed at the armory in Iola.
His comments will highlight the 11 a.m. ceremony, which also will feature music courtesy of Iolan Becky French.
The Iola Elks will host a bean feed at noon. Meals are available for a free-will donation.
The 1 p.m. parade will feature several tributes to those who have served, with plenty of space available for more entries, organizer  and veteran Alfred Link said.
A float will be available for veterans looking to ride in the parade as well.
Restrooms in the Allen County Courthouse will remain open for the ceremony, Link said.
Link noted a recent change in protocol for veterans at parades and other ceremonies. Now, veterans dressed in civilian clothes are permitted to give a military salute to the flag. In the past, such a salute was reserved only for veterans in uniform. Those in plain clothes had been asked to address the flag with their hands over their hearts, much like the rest of the civilian population.
“It’s been in effect for a while, but I like to remind the veterans that the rules have changed,” Link said.
For more information about the Veteran Day festivities, contact Link at 365-7149.

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