Elberfeld Veterans Celebrate with Cannon Fire

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Our american heroes.

The coronavirus couldn't stop the tri-state from honoring our troops this veterans day.

44news reporter marisa patwa kicks off our coverage tonight.

After having to cancel several events this year -- the elberfeld american legion post three fifty one decided to still celebrate veterans day with a big bang -- shooting off a cannon thirteen times -- starting at six a.m.

"you cancel something on veterans day -- what means so much to every veteran -- that's hard too do."

And while attendance was down -- with less than half of the normal two hundred members showing up -- due to safety concerns with covid-19 -- "our numbers are down a little bit -- and that's understandable."

It was still important for these veterans who have served our country to honor their achievements "we fire the cannon to let everyone know it's veterans day.

We're out here to celebrate the fact that men and women write up a blank check including their lives and this is the one day of the year we get to celebrate that."

One thing that is clear from talking with veterans here in warrick county is that post three fifty one is not just for elberfeld members -- veterans from across warrick county and even the state came out just to watch this cannon go off.

"i've only missed two years since 1971.

Earlier you seen all these school children here before they go to school.

So veterans day means a lot over here."

"we have members from world war ii -- util the current conflicts going on right now.

They're all out here.

Men and women of all ages bring their children out here.

It's just a fun day for everyone."

But even with the festivities -- it's been a hard year -- with finances dwindling this year from their normally jam- packed banquet hall -- "it's hurt -- we rely a lot on our club room sells but in rentals -- hall rental up here -- we're struggling like a lot of others."

Post three fifty one asks for any donations to help veterans in need.

Reporting in elberfeld