Lebanon, Mo. – This Veterans Day, the city introduced a unique all‑day Silent Vigil that lets community members actively honor local veterans. Organized by the Lebanon Veterans Memorial Board, the Lebanon Area Foundation, the Lebanon/Laclede County Historical Museum & Society, Lebanon Friends of the Fort, the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution, the event moves beyond a traditional ceremony.
Walking the memorial as a living tribute
The Vigil begins with a brief story of Veterans Day and remarks from Mayor Jared Carr at 10:45 a.m. in the Lebanon Area Veterans Memorial Park, located at 500 E. Elm St. After the opening, participants are invited to walk the park’s historic monuments, plaques and bricks bearing the names of those who served.
“Often other ceremonies involve joining everyone, hearing some really amazing stories, and then you leave,” said Melinda Fries, administrator of the Lebanon Area Foundation. “While those are necessary, this is a unique opportunity to participate so you’re not just sitting and hearing the story of Veterans Day itself, but you’re also getting the opportunity to say thank you in a really meaningful way.”
From 11:11 a.m. to midnight
The Silent Vigil officially starts at 11:11 a.m., a time chosen for its symbolic significance. Organizers hope the walk will continue until midnight, provided enough volunteers join. Participants can walk for any length of time; the goal is to keep a steady flow of people moving through the memorial throughout the day, symbolizing ongoing gratitude.
Fries explained, “We also wanted to create a way for people to actively get involved, in a way that wasn’t just for half an hour or an hour. We’re doing a silent vigil starting at 11:11 a.m., very important, and we’re hoping to go all the way to midnight if we have enough people participating.”
Community response
Local veterans expressed enthusiasm for the new format. “When we presented the idea of the participation, of the walk, a lot of our local veterans were really excited about that,” Fries noted. “It seemed more impactful for them than what they’ve experienced in other places. Why limit that to an hour when we have an opportunity to celebrate the entire day?”
Residents who cannot walk the entire distance are still welcome to join for any portion of the Vigil. Sign‑ups for specific walk times can be made by calling (417) 532‑8868 or emailing [email protected]. The event is open to all who wish to honor the service and sacrifice of Lebanon’s veterans.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope the Silent Vigil will become an annual tradition, offering a reflective, participatory alternative to standard ceremonies. By encouraging continuous involvement, the event aims to strengthen community bonds and keep the memory of veterans’ contributions alive throughout the entire day.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
