Columbia's 11-11-11 Club Honors Veterans With Annual Memorial

By Columbia Spy -
Kevin Kraft, Sr. rang the bell on the 11th hour at this year's 11-11-11 memorial service. He's shown here at the event several years ago. [Columbia Spy file photo].

Veterans, families and community members gathered Wednesday for the 11-11-11 Club's annual Veterans Day tribute, an event featuring speeches, music and personal stories of military service.

The memorial began at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at Red Rose Memorial VFW Post 2435, at Fourth and Manor Streets. 

Stu Huggens was the keynote speaker at this year's event. He's shown here performing downtown last year. [Columbia Spy file photo]

This year's keynote speaker was Stu Huggens, a Vietnam War veteran, musician and Columbia graduate. Huggens, 75, whose legal name is Stuard Hogentogler, is a well-known local musician. He recounted his two combat tours in Vietnam to the audience.

The 11-11-11 Club exists for a single purpose: to hold a memorial event each Veterans Day in Columbia. Club Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Kraft said the organization takes pride in hosting one of Lancaster County's largest Veterans Day observances.

The club's name refers to the end of World War I, when the armistice took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Five Columbia veterans of what was then called the Great War founded the club around 1920.

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