St. John boys "home for Christmas"

Talmadge Mercer, Howard Alexander, J.D. Hill, James Kennedy and Pat Thompson will represent the R.E. St. John team of 1941 when Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation observes Christmas in the Oil Patch on November 16. "A Star-Spangled Celebration," the 2006 incarnation of Christmas in the Oilpatch, this year will feature the music of World War II.

The salute to WWII veterans will be presented on November 16 by the Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation under the direction of Deana Covin. Christmas in the Oilpatch will feature

music and dance, along with a dedication to World War II veterans - including coach R.E. St. John, the namesake of Kilgore's football stadium.

Six of St. John's high school football players will be on hand to flip the ceremonial switch lighting the Christmas lights over Kilgore.

Talmadge Mercer, Howard Alexander, Babe Hallmark and James

Kennedy of Kilgore, J.D. Hill from Gladewater, and Pat Thompson from Grand Prairie all played for St. John here in 1941 and all are World War II veterans.

The ceremony featuring more than 100 performers will take place at the World's Richest Acre beginning 6:15 p.m. on the Thursday before Thanksgiving.