VFW Post 454 Honors Veterans With Ceremony
Bloomington's Veterans Day ceremony featured a rifle volley, a World War II flyover and remarks from a veterans court program coordinator.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Military
VFW Post 454 held a Veterans Day ceremony in Bloomington on Wednesday. The VFW rifle squad fired 11 shots at 10:49 a.m., one for each minute leading up to the 11th hour, and four World War II aircraft flew over the VFW building afterward.
Why it matters
The ceremony marks the observance of Veterans Day locally and highlights ongoing veteran support in Bloomington and McLean County. Bloomington's recent veterans programs, including a vehicle use tax exemption ordinance approved last year, reflect continued local attention to veterans' needs.
The rifle squad fired 11 shots, one for each minute before the 11th hour, at 10:49 a.m. The source does not report attendance or participation totals for the event.
The players
VFW Post 454
A local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars that hosted the Veterans Day ceremony at its Bloomington building.
Del Saam
A program coordinator for the 11th Judicial Circuit Veterans Treatment Court and a former Army infantry officer who volunteers as a court-appointed special advocate for children in foster care.
Dan Brady
The mayor of Bloomington, Illinois, who attended the Veterans Day ceremony.
The details
Del Saam, a program coordinator for the 11th Judicial Circuit Veterans Treatment Court, spoke at the ceremony at VFW Post 454 on East Lincoln Street. Saam, a former Army infantry officer, deployed with Special Forces in 2003 and 2005, to Afghanistan in 2007, Germany in 2015 and Korea in 2017. Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady attended.
Timeline
Wednesday: Veterans Day ceremony held at VFW Post 454 in Bloomington.
10:49 a.m.: VFW rifle squad fires 11 shots during the ceremony.
2003 and 2005: Saam deploys with Special Forces.
2007: Saam deploys to Afghanistan with the infantry.
2015: Saam deploys to Germany.
Political Context
Bloomington's veterans vehicle use tax exemption ordinance, approved by the City Council last year, extends tax relief to veterans with 100% service-related disabilities. Wednesday's ceremony shows continued local recognition of veterans' service alongside these municipal benefits.
Veterans with 100% service-related disabilities may qualify for the city's vehicle use tax exemption approved last year. Residents who want to attend local veterans programs can contact VFW Post 454 at 1006 E. Lincoln St. in Bloomington.
The takeaway
Local veterans programs combine ceremony, benefits and support services, so residents seeking help can consult both veterans organizations and city offices. Recognition events like this one keep attention on the service of those who have served.
Further reading
For more on veterans observances and service, see Military coverage on Wisevoter.
