O'Fallon Veterans Commission adds Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day to official ceremonies, approves agenda and minutes

The O'Fallon Veterans Commission voted on May 12 to add Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day to its official calendar of commission-hosted ceremonies. The motion to include the national remembrance observance was moved by Commissioner Sheldon Hartsfield and, after a second and a voice vote, the presiding officer said the motion carried; no roll-call tally was provided.

The move formalizes a ceremony the commission has previously observed informally. "I think that if we don't take the initiative of that, there's a chance that it might get pushed aside," Sheldon Hartsfield said during the discussion before moving to add the event to the commission's list. Commission members answered "Aye" when the presiding officer called for the vote.

Earlier in the meeting the commission approved the meeting agenda and accepted the April meeting minutes. Hartsfield moved both items; the presiding officer indicated Commissioner Northcutt seconded each motion and announced they carried by voice vote (tallies were not specified in the transcript).

Beyond formal actions, the commission heard multiple community and partner updates. Hartsfield described logistical details for the upcoming Run for the Wall (Rolling Thunder) ride, saying, "We are expecting approximately 350 bikes coming in on the central route," and that motorcycles historically arrive around 5:00 a.m.; he encouraged residents to line Highway Z and greet riders with small flags. The commission also confirmed Armed Forces Day plans: a ceremony will start at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Walk with Lieutenant Benjamin Reister of the U.S. Navy as keynote speaker and four new enlistees expected to be sworn in.

A newly introduced alternate, Bridal O'Day, identified himself as an O'Fallon resident and a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 2008 to 2012 and as a law enforcement park ranger; he said he also teaches team-driving instruction. The commission noted its bank account balance has remained unchanged at about $1,500.

Representatives and member organizations provided event updates: the Greater Saint Louis honor flight arrival was discussed along with museum participation in upcoming car shows at Lakeside 370 and the museum's second annual Ford car show; the Elks veterans committee outlined a suicide-prevention seminar on Aug. 2 and PACACT on Aug. 16; and a Texas Hold 'Em fundraiser was scheduled for Sept. 27 in coordination with Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. The meeting closed with a benediction and adjournment.

The commission did not record formal vote tallies in the transcript for the motions described; the transcript records voice votes and the presiding officer's announcement that motions carried. The ceremony addition will appear on the commission's calendar as an official Veterans Commission event going forward.