The public is invited to a Veterans’ Day ceremony on the square in Marshall at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 11.

According to Stephen J. Olson, Adjutant of Malta Bend Memorial Post 558, the theme of this year’s ceremony will be commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony will be held on the south side of Saline County Courthouse lawn, and will open with the tolling of 21 bells in support of the Bells of Peace program.

This program started in 2019 in remembrance of the 100-year anniversary of the end of World War I, and continues on as a lasting tribute. The ceremony will end with students of the combined fourth-grade elementary school choir laying individual red carnations at the Veterans’ Memorial, the POW/MIA Memorial and the Doughboy Memorial. The flower laying will mimic this year’s laying of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery.

In support of the centennial celebration, for the first time in over 90 years, individuals will be allowed to access the plaza surrounding the tomb and lay flowers on the crypt. This is only being allowed for a few days prior to the National Veterans’ Day Ceremony, and something that otherwise is not allowed. Participants will include soldiers from the Missouri National Guard 1128th Transportation Group; the Marshall High School band; two student speakers from Malta Bend School; the combined elementary school fourth-grade choir; and members from Malta Bend Post 558 and Marshall VFW Post 2646, among others.

If you have any questions, call Steve Olson at (660) 831-0982.