Ceremony in Belleville, parade in O’Fallon honor those who served

There were Veterans Day events Saturday in Belleville and O’Fallon to honor those who have served our country.

Belleville’s 19th annual Veterans Day ceremony was on the Public Square, and a reception to dedicate a bronze statue of Army First Sgt. Thomas Nicholson was in the lobby of City Hall after the outdoor ceremony.

Nicholson, of Belleville, was awarded two Bronze Stars during World War II. He died in 1975.

Nicholson’s grandson — Dave Roberts, of Conroe, Texas — commissioned an artist to create the statue and donated the 50-pound statue to the city of Belleville.

A parade took place in O’Fallon.

Crowds turned out at both events, despite brisk temperatures in the 40s to low 50s.

This story was originally published November 11, 2017 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Ceremony in Belleville, parade in O’Fallon honor those who served."