Citizens in Independence mark Veterans’ Day with a solemn ceremony in Riverside Park.

 

A crowd of people gathered at Veteran’s Freedom Square on Saturday to honor those who served in our nation’s military. Those assembled were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Cub Scout Pack 4 and were then welcomed by members of VFW Post 1186.

 

Following the reading of the names, the VFW Auxiliary announced the winners of the Patriot’s Pen Essay contest. The Auxiliary’s Kathy Shepard says many local students wrote their best patriotic essays for the contest.

 

The winner of the contest was Lucy McAffee, who then read her essay to the group. Shepard also awarded the 2026 Voice of Democracy Essay prize to Malaya Miller, who also read her essay aloud. Veterans’ Day activities were rounded out later in the afternoon with a parade in downtown Independence.