Salute to Veterans is June 3 in Andover

The Spoon River Young Marines will present a Salute to Veterans on Sunday, June 3, 10:30 a.m., at the Andover Lake Park.  Special recognition will be given to Iraq & Afghanistan vets.  The Young Marine Chamber Orchestra will play several selections of marches and patriotic music.  The orchestra is a classically trained quartet including Young Marine Gunnery Sergeant Daniel Wollin on woodwinds, Young Marine Alec Acerra on violin and mandolin, Young Marine Staff Sergeant Luke Acerra on cello and keyboard and Young Marine Sergeant Maria Wollin on violin.  The members also sing.  Mike Accera is the Adjutant of the local Young Marines, which is headquartered in Galesburg.  

The Young Marine Color Guard and Andover American Legion Firing Squad will also participate.  A wreath in honor of all veterans will be placed in the veterans memorial garden.  This program will follow a 9 a.m. outdoor community worship service at the same location.

The Young Marines is a national youth educational and community service program for boys and girls, ages 8 through completion of high school.  The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members.  The program focuses on character building and leadership and promotes a healthy, drug free lifestyle.  The Young Marines of the Spoon River Valley Company pride themselves for providing activities particular to their unit including aerospace and flight training, a special emphasis on technology and history, and an effort to bring them into the larger world of opportunities by introducing them to business, manufacturing, and other professional leaders from around the region. The Young Marines are the official youth program of the United States Marine Corps.

Other events at the weekend festival include a Velie vehicle display and reunion, antique lawn & farm tractor show, art show & crafts, food, exhibits, Flipino-American Performing Artists of the QCA, talent show, and concert by the Orion Community Band.

For more information, please visit www.visithenrycounty.com or call 309 937-1255.