ALTON — The Alton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1308 held a Veterans Day program Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, to honor military service members with a wreath-laying ceremony and traditional observances. The event took place Nov. 10, 2025, at 4445 N. Alby St. and featured guest speaker Rob Bailey, the VFW Department Senior Vice Commander.
Bailey, a native of Edgewater, New Jersey, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1996 and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln from 1997 to 2000. During his service, he was part of the nuclear reactor department and the ship’s Security Force.
In 1998, the Abraham Lincoln deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch, earning the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Bailey joined the VFW Montgomery, Illinois, Memorial Post 7452 in 2013 and is a Gold Legacy Life Member.
The program at the Alton VFW began with Scout Troop 1 posting the Colors, followed by an opening prayer from Army recruiter Jade Hodge. Shannon Young served as master of ceremonies before Bailey delivered his presentation.
The wreath-laying ceremony included representatives from various military branches and organizations: Sue Parrish, past Auxiliary Department president, for POW/MIA; Sheri Cranmer for Medal of Honor recipients; Kris Calvert, a Gold Star Mother; Mark Nelson for the Marines; Jade Hodge for the Army; Ron Demanuele for the Navy; Dave Stout, past Department Commander, for the Air Force; Natalie Goheen for the Coast Guard; Chris Miller, Commander of VFW Post 1308; Chuck Herring, President of the VFW Auxiliary; Jim Freeman of Marine Corps Detachment No. 1160; Margaret Hopkins representing Wreaths Across America; and Bernie Caldwell of A Few Good Marines. The VFW Ritual Team performed a 21-gun salute, and the program concluded with a closing prayer by Calvert.
Bailey said it was meaningful to be in Alton to honor those who have worn the American uniform. “We come together as one community — veterans, families, neighbors and friends,” he said. “Service doesn’t always end when the uniform comes off. Veterans continue to serve in our towns and cities after they come back home. They remind us that patriotism is more than just wearing the uniform.”
He urged the younger generation to remember the freedoms they enjoy.
“Veterans Day isn’t just about looking back but looking forward, about keeping honor, duty, respect, and service alive,” Bailey said. “Today, we also honor those who gave us freedom. Whether you served or are simply here to honor one, thank you. We will remember the dreams we enjoy came at a great cost. For those who gave, as Lincoln said, the last full measure of devotion, we will always remember them.”
