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WILLOUGHBY - GONG! GONG! Eleven times the bells sounded at Palmer-Roberts American Legion Post 214 Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. - Veterans Day. This was in remembrance of the end of World War I – signing of the Treaty on Nov. 11, 1918.

A large crowd of the American Legion family, Willoughby Fire Department, members and friends attended the Veterans Day Service held in the Post home.
Commander Brent Woerner led the memorial service with a talk on what Veterans Day is all about.
Excerpts from a talk given by Adjutant Jim Trettin follow.
“Today, Nov. 11, marks the end of WWI - 100 years ago. One hundred sixteen thousand, five hundred sixteen Americans died in this war protecting our freedom. Two of those Americans were from Willoughby - 2nd Lt. Harold T. Palmer and Sgt. Carl W. Roberts. American Legion Post 214 is honored to be named after these former residents.
“Both gave their lives 100 years ago and neither was able to return to Willoughby and American soil.
“Lt. Palmer is buried in France and Sgt. Roberts in Flanders Field, Belgium.
“Second Lt. Palmer, a U.S. Marine was killed on Oct. 4 during the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge, 37 days before the end of the war.
“Sgt. Roberts, assigned to Company M145th Infantry 37th Division, was on a mission to recapture the bridge over the Scheldt River and the surrounding town.
“On Nov. 4, he was killed in action while his unit was attacking the bridge. He died one week before the end of the war.”
Willoughby Mayor Robert Fiala and American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Woerner laid the wreath commemorating the departed comrades from all wars.
The Honor Guard then did a 21-gun salute which was followed by “Taps.”
Submitted Photo
Willoughby Mayor Robert Fiala and American Legion Auxiliary President, Diane Woerner lay the wreath commemorating the departed comrades from all wars.