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MT. VERNON, Ill (WSIL) -- The Mt. Vernon American Legion Post 141 hosted a Memorial Day service Monday at the Jefferson County Courthouse.

Organizers tell News 3 they hope residents keep in mind why we observe the Memorial Day holiday.

"This is not veteran's day, this is memorial day. We are memorializing those that gave the last full measure of devotion to this country -- and gave their lives." said Bob Cearlock, Commander of Post 141.

The post held a special dinner after Monday's ceremony.

Also during Monday's ceremony, a World War II veteran was honored. Mr. Everett Atkinson, of Jefferson County, was presented with proclamations from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Mike Bost, and the mayor of Mount Vernon.
Mr. Atkinson tells News 3 he's honored by the recognition.

"We'll there was 16 million of us in uniform of our country your country and mine. And of all of those 16 million people, I'm just one grain of sand. I remember a lot of them, and I'm very blessed." said veteran Everett Atkinson.

Atkinson celebrates his 99th birthday this Friday.