American Legion presents 25 banners to be displayed in city

By Kyle Troutman

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The new Hometown Heroes undertaking by the Irwin-Easley American Legion Post No. 118 saw its first major sign of progress on July 1, as 25 banners were presented to veterans, active duty military or their families at the Barry County Courthouse.

The banners were presented, then given to Mike Hagins, city of Cassville Public Works director, to be displayed on light poles on Main Street and around the courthouse square. Hagins said the banners would be put up over the next two days, ahead of the United States’ 250th birthday on July 4.

Post Commander Larry Neukirch opened the ceremony, turning the lectern over to Presiding Commissioner Steve Blankenship to address the nearly 100 individuals in attendance.

Blankenship told the story of his cousin, John Phillips, who was interned in a mass grave overseas after serving in the military. He said he was 5 years old when he heard his Phillips’ mother singing “My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean,” replacing the name “Bonnie” with her son’s name, “Johnny.”

In 2019, Phillips’ remains were identified, and in September 2021, he was interned in Arlington National Cemetery. Blankenship said that series of events led him to recall the interaction at an early age and one of his connections to honorable military service.

Following Blankenship’s speech, the 25 banners were presented, with recipients taking photos with the banners before handing them over to Hagins.

Don Beeson, who celebrated his 97th birthday on June 24, was the first to receive a banner, joking that he looks about the same as now as he did in the photo. Beeson served as an Army chaplain for 20 years, from 1962-1982.

“I have lots of memories, lots of good memories,” he said. “ tink it’s a great thing the Legion is doing this. I give thanks to everyone who has had a part in this recognition.”

Beeson was born 5.7 miles northeast of the Courthouse in Forest Grove, and he said the area has always been supportive of veterans.

“It’s great to have roots here in Cassville,” he said. “During the depression and after, I don’t think I appreciated it then, but I do now — the grounding, the learning, the teaching, the discipline — those were innumerable and priceless lessons learned here.”

Ted Bolton, who served in the Army from 1967-11969, said he greatly appreciated the honor of receiving a banner.

“This is something that brings everyone together,” he said. “It will make the city a little more patriotic, and I hope it encourages young people to join the service.”

Among the attendees, Bolton said, were may friends he had not seen in some time.

“It was really great to meet up with other veterans I have not see in a long time, and for us to encourage one another,” he said. 

John Easley, adjunct historian for the Post, said eight more banners are already in the works, and with the city’s commitment to putting up banners on both sides of light posts, there could be as many as 150 servicemen and servicewomen recognized.

“We will send the next banner order when we have 20 ready to go,” he said. “Originally, we counted about 78 poles, but now that we’re doing two on each, we can put about 150 up on Main Street and around the square. The city has been amazing in helping us. [City Administrator] Richard Asbill and Mike Hagins have been awesome.”

Easley, who named each of the veterans and the banner recipients at the ceremony, said it was an honor to do so.

“I was overwhelmed by the turnout today,” he said. “It’s tough to look through the glass and figure out how it will all work out, and it did work out. Barry County is full of heroes.”

Easley said the Post is also working to get names of Korean War and Vietnam War veterans displayed inside the courthouse, where his grandfather, great grandfather and great uncles are named for their prior service. 

“There’s a lot of legacy in Barry County,” he said. 

As for the banners, Easley said the Post will continue to have new ones printed until all spaces are full and the effort exhausted to the point no one else wants one.

To get a banner displayed, Easley said the Post will need a photo, application form and check of $125 dollars to be submitted to: Veterans Banner Committee, C/O John C Easley, 18767 State Hwy E, Eagle Rock, MO 65641.

A photo and form can also be emailed to [email protected], and people seeking more information may reach Easley at 479-228-0513.

Veterans honored and those receiving the banners on July 1 included:

• Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Donald Beeson, received by Chaplain Beeson

• Private (PVT) Stephen (Ted) Douglas Bolton and Specialist 5 (SP5) Ted Ray Bolton, received by Ted Bolton

• Petty Officer 2nd Class (P02) Blaine Edmondson Brock, received by Susan Brock-Lane

• Technical Sergeant Gene Perry Brock, received by Harold Brock

• Command Sergeant Major (CSM) James D Day, received by his wife Lucille Day and Don Jason Day

• Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) John Charles Easley, received by his Father Charles Easley

• Senior Airman (SrA) Mollie Marina Michaella Easley, received by her Mother Heather Easley

• Captain (CPT) Max Easley, received by nephew David

• Major (Maj) William ‘’Rocky’’ Rothrock Edmondson, received by his sister Mrs. Gayle Farmer

• Corporal (CPL) Ryan Gregory Hodge is receiving his banner

• Quartermaster 2nd Class (QM2) Donald Eugene Lambert, received by his daughter Lynette Dilbeck

• Sergeant First Class SFC) Matthew Reams Ledgerwood, received by his parents Dennis and Charli Jo Ledgerwood

• Corporal (CPL) Charles L. Marple, received by Jerry Marple

• Sergeant (SGT) James Edward Morgan, received by Wes Stephens

• Sergeant (SGT) John V Phillips, received by Judy Eaton and Jane Howe

• Sergeant (SGT) Joseph Allen Preddy and Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Joseph Paul Preddy, received by Granddaughter and niece Devon Forsythe

• Sergeant (SGT) Cleburn Priest, received by his wife Luann Priest and Son Dan Priest

• Lieutenant General (LTG) William Henry Reno, received by Phil Hutchens

• Private (PVT) William E. Roden Sr. and Specialist 4 (SP4) William E. Roden Jr., received by Mrs. Fran Bolton

• Corporal (CPL) Charles Franklin Thompson, received by his wife Beck Thompson and daughters Becky Hodge, Wendy Miekley, and Charli Jo Ledgerwood.