The annual Veterans Day memorial service was held at the Murphysboro American Legion, on Wednesday. 
The celebration was highlighted by a new flag memorial built for the Legion by the Sons of the American Legion. 
Bob Marfio, member of the S.A.L., said work began on the memorial three months ago.  He said it was something the Murphysboro Legion was lacking and deserved to have. 
"I saw one everywhere else," he said, "so I started scheming."
The memorial displays six flag poles – one for each branch of the service and one for the American and POW-MIA flags.
Materials for the project, such as concrete for the base and wood for a new pavilion, were donated by local businesses, according to Marfio, who provided the bulk of the labor.  The flag poles were paid for by veterans.  Each pole displays the names, under their branch of service, of those who contributed.
David 'Purp' Lavender, a Vietnam veteran, addressed the crowd of about 75, as part of the ceremony.   "I see a lot of kids out here today," he said, "that's good, they need to know this." 
Lavender said it is important to remember Veterans Day and honor the sacrifices made in the name of country.  He concluded his speech with a poem about veterans.
Lavender' s speech was followed by a 21-gun salute performed by the Legion Post 127 Color Guard.  Louis 'Doc' Strack, Commander of the Color Guard, said he thought the color guard performed well.
Veterans Day, observed on November 11, was first called Armistice Day.  It was enacted by President Woodrow Wilson, in 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I.  In 1954, Congress changed the name to "Veterans Day" to honor all those who served in the armed forces.