Danville community gives back to Operation Honor Guard

DANVILLE, lll. (WCIA) — Veterans in Danville and neighboring communities came together at one of six collection spots for a good cause.

Wednesday marked another year of the Operation Honor Guard’s Day of Giving.

“We’re out here to help benefit all the Honor Guards in this area,” said Gerry Arnold of Danville’s American Legion Post #210.

He said the posts rely on help from members of the community.

“It’s a real honor, really, to see the people that appreciate what we do,” Arnold said. “I think all the guys feel that it’s just a real honor to be able to do it. And the people appreciate it.”

Buddy Wright was one of the founding fathers of the day. He said he knew this day would grow into what it is now, thanks to his faith in people.

“People are nice, giving them money. They take care of it, you know, so we can take care of that. You know, the veterans that that leave, it’s our honor to do all that. So we’re really proud of what we’ve done,” Wright said.

All proceeds go towards local American Legion posts — in particular: uniforms. Such uniforms are given to each member for ceremonial use and Knapp said they do not run cheap.

“Between the coats, raincoats, jackets, shoes, pants, two shirts, sweaters, and our caps, it’s about $800 per person to help deliver a complete uniform.”

In Danville — like other spots throughout Central Illinois — there is a mutual appreciation between the community and the people who protected him.

“We want to be able to show them how much we appreciate what they’ve done for our country and for us,” Knapp said. “And so the uniform kind of stands out and kind of represents who we are.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.