Keota VFW Memorial Auction

            In August of 1944 the City of Keota, dedicated a World War II Memorial listing all Keota area men and women who had served or were serving in World War II. By the time the war had ended, close to 500 names graced the Memorial. This Memorial stood on Broadway Avenue (Main Street) in downtown Keota and was said to be one of the finest in the state. Over 2000 area citizens attended the dedication. Through the years, the Memorial shined both day and night, but weather and time took its toll and the Memorial was dismantled in the mid-1960s.

            The Memorial was replaced by a stone monument in the Wilson Memorial Park, with an inscription “To the lasting memory of the gallant who gave their full measure of devotion and service to our glorious country.” A beautiful framed photo of the original memorial hangs in the Keota V.F.W. When people see this photo for the first time they instinctively ask where it is located. When informed that it use to stand on Main Street, but was torn down, they first ask why and then inquire about rebuilding the Memorial.

Read the full article in the June 4 edition of the News-Review.