Thanks for work on memorial

I would like to thank all my fellow Seabees and Marines for their dedication and service of the unveiling of the Seabee monument at the Mounds City National Cemetery in Illinois on March 19. A special thanks to my fellow Seabees Tom Meyer and Dan Stitz as event coordinators; P.M. Kurre and Glen Beussink for transportation and setting of the monument; Ken Rodgers, chaplain; Mike Morgan as master of ceremonies of the event; Marine Col. Thomas H. Goessman as guest speaker; the Marine Corps Color Guard Det. 1081 for their posting of the colors; Bill Humphries for playing taps; Roy Rhodes for representing the POW-MIAs; the VFW Freedom Riders, District 15; and Cathy Stitz, photographer.

Our deepest appreciation to VFW Post 8891 for a meal after the dedication. Thank you, also, Tom Mueller, president of the Mounds City National Cemetery Preservation Committee and his wife, Beck Mueller, and assistant, Sherry Miller, for their coordination and set up of the ceremony.

A special thanks to all veterans, both active duty and retired, of all branches of the military and civil service participants who attended. Thank you to KFVS and WSIL for news coverage, and to all who attended for this special event. Again, thank you and may God bless.

RICHARD W. HENGST, Cape Girardeau

Commander, U.S. Navy Seabee Veterans of America Island X-5