In 2024, there were approximately 17.57 million veterans in the United States. McDonough County- area veterans were celebrated at a variety of events around the region Tuesday, Nov. 11 as part of the 2025 Veterans' Day holiday.
The Flags of Love graced Chandler Park in honor of Veteran's Day, and Hy-Vee started the day with a free breakfast for veterans, along with an opportunity for children to make cards for veterans thanking them for their service. The Macomb VFW Post #1921 held the annual Veteran's Day Ceremony Tuesday morning, along with Western Illinois University's Veteran's Day observance at Hanson Field.
Wesley Village honored its veteran residents at a special ceremony Tuesday morning, and Monmouth College held 'A Salute for Veterans,' featuring State Representative and National Guard Veteran Dan Swanson. The Bushnell Library hosted a 'Slice of Gratitude,' with pie for veterans, and the Bushnell VFW Post hosted a free dinner for Bushnell veterans. The Macomb American Legion Post #6 sponsored a dinner Tuesday evening for post members and spouses, followed by an awards ceremony to honor 50-, 60- and 70-year members. Additional activities took place during the week including a Veteran's Breakfast at the Elks on Sunday and a 250th birthday celebration for the Army, Navy and Marines with the WIU Veteran's Resource Center Monday, as well as a candlelight vigil at the center Thursday.
See additional photos from Veteran’s Day on page 10
