Dedication of new VFW hall set for Saturday morning

Members of the Cape Girardeau Veterans of Foreign Wars post have been enjoying the benefits of a new hall since January. Now they're ready for the building's official dedication.

The official ceremony for the new building on North Kingshighway will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday, honoring the service the post has provided to the area for 63 years and symbolically ushering in a new era for the organization, which post commander Bud Hager said is the largest in the state.

The dedication will begin outside the building near the flag pole with color guards. Then will come a ceremonial passing of the flag from the post's oldest to youngest members.

"What it really means is, the VFW's been here that many years, and now we're passing the flags back to the young ones. ... They're going to come and join us in new membership and carry on the tradition the VFW carries on," Hager said.

The building, he said, can be seen as a gift to those new members.

The passing of the flags will be followed by a march into the hall, where the audience will hear speeches from political dignitaries and members of the VFW organization. Speakers will include Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson, among others.

Following the speeches will be a dinner. Those who attend will also be invited on tours of the new facility and can ask questions of the post members.

The public is invited.

msanders@semissourian.com

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