Wood River Veterans Day Ceremony Brings Community Together
On Nov. 11, 2025, veterans and community members came together to commemorate Veterans Day and recognize the sacrifices of military members.
WOOD RIVER - Community members gathered at East Alton-Wood River High School for a special Veterans Day ceremony.
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On Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, local veterans were honored for their service. Featured speaker Thomas Haine, Madison County State’s Attorney and a U.S. Army veteran, shared a tribute to the veterans who have served. Mayor Tom Stalcup also expressed his appreciation for the community’s turnout and the veterans who live in Wood River and beyond.
“We dedicate this day to our veterans, the men and women that gave themselves to protect our country and our freedom,” Stalcup said. “They responded when called upon to defend our rights, our freedoms, our nation and the world.”
MMC (SW) Retired U.S. Navy Veteran Glenn Breuklander kicked off the ceremony by introducing Matt Pantaleoni, who played “Scotland the Brave” on bagpipes. Scouting America Troop 777 posted the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chaplain Michael Seitzinger gave the invocation, followed by the National Anthem by the East Alton-Wood River Community High School Choir.
Delphine Kappos, a U.S. Marine veteran, read the names of local military members who gave their lives in service. The ceremony also recognized veterans in attendance.
Haine spoke about the lessons he learned while in the Army. He noted that some of the lessons were “unwilling,” but these were the most important.
“The Army taught me discipline. It taught me teamwork. It taught me humility. It taught me that freedom is fragile and that defending it requires sacrifice,” he said. “Service is not a single act. It is a lifelong calling. It changes how you see the world, how you lead and how you serve others.”
Haine thanked the many people who made the ceremony possible, including the Veterans Day Committee and Mary Roberts.
He also spoke about the Madison County Veterans’ Treatment Court, a special court that “honors both accountability and redemption.” This special court connects veterans who have committed certain offenses with mental health and substance use care through a “rigorous, structured probation program.”
Haine shared that “it is a beautiful thing” to watch the veterans succeed and graduate from the program. Local members of the Quilts of Valor Foundation drape the veterans in “very symbolic” handmade quilts to recognize their graduation. Haine encouraged people to continue to “wrap our veterans in our respect, in our support and in our love.”
Kristen Burns with the Wood River Business Alliance spoke about the Hometown Heroes program, which honors local veterans with banners placed along the streets of Wood River. You can register for the program here.
Girl Scouts Troop 325 presented the Missing Man Table, and Glenn Heimer, a U.S. Marine veteran and coordinator of Toys for Tots, played TAPS. Seitzinger gave the benediction and Pantaleoni concluded the ceremony with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
Bernie Caldwell, a U.S. Marine veteran, presented a Challenge Coin to all veterans after the service
“Veterans Day is a time to celebrate the virtues of courage, sacrifice and service,” Haine concluded. “It’s a day not only to honor those who have given their lives for freedom, but also those who came home and continue to serve their families, their communities, this community and the country at large in new ways.”
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