MARSHALL, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)– Tim Duke is a Vietnam War Veteran. He said after witnessing many lives lost during his time in the war, It’s only right that Americans honor their sacrifice.
“This is a great community thing to do to remind folks that we still have people in harms way,” he said. “We need to be lifting up these families in prayer and lifting up all our soldiers that are overseas and in harms way and asking God to keep them safe.”
Battlefield cross dedications began during the civil war as a way for soldiers to remember those who lost their lives during the war.
The helmet and dog tags represent the fallen soldiers. The boots represent their final battle and the rifle symbolizes a time for prayer.
“We’re showing them how much we honor them for what they’re doing for our country and what some of them will eventually give for our country,” said Georgia Reed, VFW 5975 Auxiliary treasurer.
Melissa Wernz’s son suffered an injury during his time in the Iraq war.
She said ceremonies like these are important for the families of current and past soldiers.
“It’s just something that we have to do for the ones that didn’t come back. We got our son back but many didn’t,” Wernz concluded.
The battlefield cross statue was donated by the VFW 5975 Auxiliary in Marshall, IL.
