A new U.S. flag now waves from the new flag pole at Five Points following dedication ceremonies on Monday morning.
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Around 150 persons gathered in the downtown area to take part in the ceremonies, which were held as part of Memorial Day activities in Trenton. Community Developer Ralph Boots served as master of ceremonies for the program, which included remarks from Mark Robinson, who served as chairman of the committee to raise funds for the flag pole; Sonna Wiggins and Betty Chenoweth, who sang a song written especially for the occasion; Bob Chenoweth, who talked about activities at the Grundy County Museum; Jim Bush, fourth ward city councilman and retired Navy Seal; Boy Scout Troop 99, which raised the flag; and Joseph L. Norton VFW Post No. 919, which presented the colors and gave a gun salute.
Robinson gave a brief history of the flag pole at Five Points, which was first erected in 1872. There have been four poles at the site and a plaque has been placed at the base of the pole to note that fact.
Boots outlined the flag pole project and thanked the community for its support in funding the costs associated with the work. He also recognized the efforts of Joe Devorss, Trenton Transit, Slater Funeral Home, Woodmen of the World and Jerry Henson, MFA Oil, the TMU electric and water departments, the Trenton Police Department, the Trenton Street Department, the city of Trenton administration and Community Development committee, the Republican-Times and KTTN radio for their assistance in the project.
Mrs. Wiggins and Mrs. Chenoweth then sang “Flag Pole Dedication,” a song Mrs. Wiggins wrote to honor the occasion. Mrs. Wiggins also led the group in singing “The Star Spangled Banner” following the raising of the flag.
Bush recognized the efforts of all veterans, past, present and future, in protecting the freedoms found in the U.S. He talked about the sacrifice made by some 1.3 million military members who, since 1775, have died supporting this country as well as another 1.5 million who have been wounded. Another 38,459 are missing and unaccounted for. He recognized Trenton’s 548th Transportation Unit of the Missouri Army National Guard, which recently returned home after over one year of service in Afghanistan as well as the firemen, paramedics and law enforcement officials who protect the community. The families of those individuals were also thanked, with Bush noting “it takes a family to defend our nation.”
He concluded by stating “never forget their sacrifices, giving up their todays for your tomorrows.”
Chenoweth reviewed activities at the Grundy County Museum, which opened for the season on Monday. The museum is open from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through October. The railroad is the featured display through mid-July, with a display of the Civil War scheduled later in the year. A program sponsored by the museum on Monday afternoon, featuring three Vietnam veterans, was also reviewed.