At the left is Norbert, Joe, and Virgil Petri with their sister Mary Ford in front of the new sign erected at the north end of Minonk.
A ceremony was held Saturday to unveil the sign recognizing Minonk as the home of the seven Petri brothers who all served in the military in World War II.
American Legion member Dave Shirley led the ceremony held at Sutton's Park at the north end of Minonk along Chestnut Street. Shirley, along with the Petri brothers sister-in-law, Mary Ford led the process of getting the sign erected to recognize the Petri brothers for their service.
Dave Shirley said that not only was it unusual for seven brothers from one family to serve in the same war, it also is unusual that they all returned. He said it is fitting to remember the Petri brothers parents, Michael and Sarah Petri. Shirley said, "They provided seven sons to defend our country and most certainly must have lived a life of daily anxiety during those years."
Dr. Peter Reese of Victoria, Texas, who is a brother-in-law of Mary Petri Ford, gave an introductory speech. Dr. Reese was the one who originally started the project to recognize the Petri brothers. Ron Matheny, 17th District American Legion Senior Vice Commander, gave a short speech in which he expressed his gratitude to the brothers for their service to our country. Commander Methany said it was through the effort of patriots like the Petri brothers that he was able to stand here today and speak freely.
The Patriot Riders from Bloomington Post 76 brought flags with them and served as an impressive backdrop to the ceremony each member holding a flag. Taps were played at the end of the ceremony and then the sign was unveiled.
After the ceremony the sign erected at the south end of town was also unveiled.
Below is a record of the seven brothers service in the military.
Eugene - for his service from March 1941 to June 1946, in the United States Army Air Corp Norbert - for his service from January 1942 to July 1946, in the United States Army Air Corp
Virgil - for his service from July 1942 to July 1946, in the United States Marines
Joseph - for his service from January 1943 to December 1945, in the United States Army
Marion - for his service from December 1943 to December 1946, in the United States Navy
John - for his service from February 1945 to July 1946, in the United States Seebees
Julian - for his service from February 1945 to July 1946, in the United States Seebees
For more pictures of the ceremony
click here For an expanded story on the Petri brothers in the Peoria Journal Star click here.