Names added to veterans monument
Photo by Ann Gill
U.S. AIR FORCE veteran Colin Schwier [left] had his name added to the Community Veterans Monument located on the campus of Coal City Intermediate School. The monument was originally erected in the late 1940s and under went renovations in 2007 and 2019, the latest under the direction of Eagle Scout Christian Micetich [right]. Both participated in this year’s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 29.
On Memorial Day, St. Juvin Post 1336 Veterans of Foreign Wars unveiled two new names to the Community Veteran’s Monument.
Added to the Wall of Honor were community members Matthew Davis and Colin Schwier, who recently completed his service with the U.S. Air Force.
The monument was constructed in the late 1940s on the campus of what is now Coal City Intermediate School.
A plaque honoring those from the community who served in World War I had been acquired in 1927 and hung inside the school.
When the monument was completed the plaque and one honoring those who served in World War II were affixed to the front. Plaques naming those who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars were later added.
In 2007 there was an extensive renovation of the monument and the names of additional veterans were added. Those names represented individuals who had served over time and were either graduates of Coal City High School or those who had resided in the community for five or more years.
A few years ago, another renovation of the monument occurred under the guidance of Eagle Scout Christian Micetich.
The names of over 1,100 community veterans dating back to the Spanish-American War are currently on the monument.
Post 1336 has established a monument fund to accept donations for the continued maintenance and improvement of the site.
Donations to the fund can be made at Coal City Bank, a branch of Bank of Pontiac at 85 S. Broadway, Coal City or mailed to Post 1336 at P.O. Box 191, Coal City.
Community members who served in the armed forces and would like to have their name added can request addition to the monument by contacting the post at the above address.