The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- More than 100 gathered this afternoon at the Veterans Memorial in Ottumwa Park.

They honored those lost giving our country its freedom. They also dedicated a new eagle monument.

While the rain may have cancelled the paratroopers and drew a smaller crowd than usual, this event still means a lot to our servicemen.

“It’s a special occasion for a special time of the year. And we do funerals, the firing squad does funerals about 100 times per year, so I see it a lot but, every time that bugle blows…it still brings a tear to my eye,” said Vietnam Veteran Denny Whitson.

“The memorial here means a lot to me because this is for the fellas that did not come home like I did. And it represents a lot and means an awful lot,” another Vietnam Veteran Lloyd Murphey said.

Active service members also appreciate the ceremony today.

“It means a lot to the soldiers who are here that paid the ultimate price. It means a lot to dedicate this eagle too to the veterans to remember what they did for us. The fourth of July is more than just picnics and holidays and a day off. It is a time to remember that our country is truly free,” said 1st Lt. Eric Reyman of 224th Engineers out of Fairfield.