World War II veterans honored

WORTHINGTON -- Two Worthington cousins, who served their country more than six decades ago as young U.S. Army soldiers in World War II, were honored Thursday as Life Members at the 65th anniversary celebration of Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 7117. The two men, Waitis Rogers, Jr. and Virgil Rogers, are still regular patrons at the local VFW post where they like to visit with younger veterans. They were among the 116 vets who were charter members of the post in May 19, 1946. The 88-year-old Waitis and his wife, Anne, along with sons John and Waitis Leon Rogers, attended the ceremony. A daughter, Nancy, who lives in Terre Haute did not attend. His oldest son, George, is deceased. Waitis was presented with a plaque and a monogrammed VFW jacket as gifts from Post 7117 by commander Ken Stalcup. The club also had a commemorative cake made for the occasion that showed WW II era photos of the two Rogers cousins on the top. Walking over to get a closer look at the cake, Waitis pointed down to a much younger photo of himself in his old Army uniform showing his great-granddaughter, 5-year-old Hannah Rogers. Virgil was unable to attend the ceremony because of illness and he'll be presented with his mementos of appreciation for his military service and long-time membership at a later date during an appropriate ceremony, according to Stalcup.