Mason veterans honored by Poplar Bluff Lodge 209

World War II veteran Anna Kathleen Kennedy of Poplar Bluff was the first person honored Saturday afternoon at the veteran’s recognition program at the Poplar Bluff Lodge 209.

Kennedy served two years as a nurse in the U.S. Navy. She’s been involved in Eastern Star.

Kennedy’s brothers were in the navy, so she said she felt like, “I want to do it, too.”

When asked her age, she replied she was in her 90s, but her daughter Bonnie Ray of Poplar Bluff chimed in, “She’s 97.” Kennedy also was accompanied by her son Doug Kennedy, who pinned her during the ceremony. Kennedy met her husband in the chow line when she was in the navy.

Another navy veteran and Eastern Star honored was Debra Lankford Robertson of Machesney Park, Illinois. She served from 1979 to 1985.

Robertson said, the navy officers were not happy when they realized she was one of the first females assigned to a combat unit, so they transferred her to Guam. After the transfer, she managed to become the first female masters-at-arms patrolling the base.

Veteran and Mason Bardis Dismuke of Poplar Bluff was among those planning the event to recognize the veterans and Masons. He said 53 veterans/Masons at the Poplar Bluff Masonic Lodge 209 and four Eastern Star Poplar Bluff Chapter 344 member/veterans were invited, but only two of the women and 30 of the men were able to attend.

Each veteran told the branch of the military in which they served as well as the years they served.

Dismuke, who worked on the event for at least three months, said it took six week for the grand lodge to prepare for the event.

Dismuke said, “I have enjoyed getting this all together and to get a World War II lady is such an honor. We appreciate Doug and his sister for getting her out today. We appreciate the veterans and the Masons for coming out. Thank you for showing up.”

Jonce Chidister, grand marshal for the Grand Lodge of Missouri, called the names of each of the Eastern Star and the Masons to be honored. Chidister presented those present with their honor as well as thanked each one for their service.

The recognition program began with lunch at 11 a.m. and program at 1 p.m.