PEORIA, Ill. – If it were up to Vietnam veteran Alfred Burnett, a member of Peoria American Legion Post 2, you might not be compelled to take a vacation or have a party this weekend, because it’s Memorial Day weekend.
“Memorial Day is not a holiday to take vacations,” said Burnett, to 25 News. “It’s a time to remember fallen veterans and regular veterans. The main part, I believe, is going to the cemeteries and honoring the fallen and the ones that gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Post 2 is scheduled to take part in or attend more than a dozen Memorial Day events this weekend, culminating with Monday’s service at the Gateway Building.
One Memorial Day gathering will take place at Veterans Pizza and Pub in Peoria’s North Valley.
“We’ll be having a get-together with some of our comrades and fellow patriots,” Darrell Amerman, owner, said. “It will be a good day to reminisce and get with the people.”
Amerman is also a commander in the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Post 2, by the way, is also looking for younger members. Their youngest now, is 66.
