thedrifter
10-05-08, 06:45 AM
Durand honors fallen vet
By P.J. Francis
The Journal-Standard
Sat Oct 04, 2008, 10:19 PM CDT
Durand, Ill. -
George R. Butler attended school in Durand before he joined the Marines and was sent to Vietnam. On May 16, 1967, Marine PFC George R. Butler was shot in the chest by a sniper and died while conducting combat operations in the demilitarized zone near Quang Tri. On Oct. 3, 2008, Butler’s memory was honored during the Durand high school football game. A dedication and field renaming ceremony was held in at the high school football field, and a new sign was unveiled. The field is now called the Marine PFC George R. Butler Stadium at Legion Field.
Between the Junior Varsity and Varsity football games, the Durand Legion Gold Star Post 676 directed a ceremony honoring Butler. A formal ceremony presented a POW/MIA flag, to remember all missing soldiers.
Durand Village President Gary Houghton read a proclamation that declared Friday, Oct. 3, 2008, Marine PFC George R. Butler Day. Houghton presented two framed copies of the proclamation to John and Tim Butler, who are brothers of the late George. John Butler thanked everyone for attending the dedication.
“Our parents would be proud,” he said.
The Legion Post 676 honored the fallen hero with a 21-gun salute after which Terry Flanagan played taps. Marine PFC George R. Butler is buried in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Durand.
Ellie
By P.J. Francis
The Journal-Standard
Sat Oct 04, 2008, 10:19 PM CDT
Durand, Ill. -
George R. Butler attended school in Durand before he joined the Marines and was sent to Vietnam. On May 16, 1967, Marine PFC George R. Butler was shot in the chest by a sniper and died while conducting combat operations in the demilitarized zone near Quang Tri. On Oct. 3, 2008, Butler’s memory was honored during the Durand high school football game. A dedication and field renaming ceremony was held in at the high school football field, and a new sign was unveiled. The field is now called the Marine PFC George R. Butler Stadium at Legion Field.
Between the Junior Varsity and Varsity football games, the Durand Legion Gold Star Post 676 directed a ceremony honoring Butler. A formal ceremony presented a POW/MIA flag, to remember all missing soldiers.
Durand Village President Gary Houghton read a proclamation that declared Friday, Oct. 3, 2008, Marine PFC George R. Butler Day. Houghton presented two framed copies of the proclamation to John and Tim Butler, who are brothers of the late George. John Butler thanked everyone for attending the dedication.
“Our parents would be proud,” he said.
The Legion Post 676 honored the fallen hero with a 21-gun salute after which Terry Flanagan played taps. Marine PFC George R. Butler is buried in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Durand.
Ellie