Since this country was founded there have been soldiers answering the call of duty to defend this great land and its citizens. These veterans make sacrifices every day to keep our country safe and protect our valued American liberties. Our troops and their families know very well that freedom is not free.

The demand on our troops and their families knows no season. When there is a call for duty these soldiers respond, no matter the day, week or time of year. Their loved ones not only wait at home with worry in their hearts, but try their best to fill their shoes while they must be gone, often for long periods of time.

When we think about the holidays and those we want to remember and honor, I hope that you will join me in honoring the memory and courage of veterans across our state by participating in Wreaths Across America.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, a ceremony will take place to honor our fallen heroes at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. At this service, holiday wreaths will be placed on the graves of our troops, in gratitude and recognition of their bravery and sacrifice.

For the last eight years members of the Missouri Wing Civil Air Patrol have partnered with Wreaths Across America in paying tribute to our fallen heroes by placing wreaths on their graves during the holiday season.

Wreaths will be placed by countless volunteers on the graves of more than 400,000 veterans at 800 cemetery or memorial sites in all 50 states. If you’d like to learn more about Wreaths Across America, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. As we gather with our family and friends this holiday season, let’s remember those individuals who are left only with the memories of their loved ones and the ultimate sacrifice these veterans made for our country.

Thank you for reading this legislative column and supporting our troops. If you have questions about how you can help pay tribute to our servicemen and women, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office. Thank you and God bless.