CHAMOIS — Community members gathered on Sunday, June 14, at Chamois City Park for a dedication ceremony celebrating a new flagpole overlooking the Missouri River.

The ceremony was led by Steve Duncan and featured prayers by Jason Hilkebaumer, a reading of John Jay Daly’s “A Toast to the Flag” by Jeffrey Korman, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the raising of an American flag.

During the dedication, Duncan said the 40-foot flagpole was dedicated to the citizens of Chamois, veterans who served the country, and those who gave their lives in military service.

“This flagpole stands 40 feet tall and overlooks the beautiful Missouri River as a memorial tribute to all true patriots, be them veterans of our armed services or simply proud citizens of our United States,” Duncan said.

An 8-foot-by-12-foot American flag was raised by Delmer Mitchem, whom Duncan described as the adjutant of the American Legion and a Vietnam War veteran.

Duncan recognized the organizations, businesses, and volunteers who contributed materials, funding, and labor to the project.

Organizations recognized included Chamois Masonic Lodge No. 185 A.F. & A.M., Chamois American Legion Post 506, the Chamois Lions Club, and the City of Chamois. Additional contributors included Three Rivers Electric Cooperative, Osage Industries, Martellaro Marble & Granite, and Capital Monuments.

Volunteers recognized during the ceremony included Dan Howard, Joe Schaperclaus, Ralph Cramer, Chris Binggeli, Danny Kirsch, Richard Schaperclaus, Marty Gerloff, Steve Cramer, Greg Payton, Bernel Keilholz, Dave Steffen, and Bob Howard.

Duncan also noted that plaques installed at the site recognize the four sponsoring organizations and include their logos and charter dates.

Mayor Shawn Mitchem attended the ceremony, along with residents who gathered around the new flagpole as the flag was raised and unfurled above the park.

The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer led by Hilkebaumer.