Lt. Col. Shawn Manley, commander of the National Guard’s 891st Engineer Battalion, will deliver the keynote address at Saturday’s Veterans Day celebration in Iola.
Manley has been a member of the 891st since 1989. He was commissioned through Candidate Officer School in July. 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 as soon as the ceremony ends. Meals are available for a free-will donation.
The noon 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.
Also Saturday, a group of Iolans eager to see a Veterans Affairs clinic or home built in the area will have a pair of petitions for residents to sign at the National Guard armory from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition, the Kansas Commission of Veterans Affairs representatives will be at the armory on North State Street to enroll veterans in the Kansas VA Health Care System.
Every veteran who wishes to enroll should bring his DD214 Discharge papers.
Vets prepare for day of honor
