DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A Danville man who was murdered more than five decades ago was recognized for his service over the weekend.

In 1970, Dale Cooper was shot to death while working at the city’s VA hospital. On Thursday, his name was carved into the Workers Memorial near East Williams Street.

Then on Saturday, people gathered for Workers Memorial Day to honor his commitment to service – and remember what he stood for when he was alive.

“With this memorial and to have his name inscribed on it now, means a lot. I drive by here several times a week, and just to know his name is here… It’s not something he necessarily with would have wanted. He’s very humble. He was, he believed in serving others. But I think for my family, it means a lot,” Dale’s son Jeff Cooper said.

The ceremony also had an opening prayer and speech for Cooper.