Celebrating Our Men and Women in Uniform
This Friday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, a day when our nation will once again pause to recognize and pay tribute to every man and woman, living or dead, who has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces. For those of us who served, we remember daily but especially on Veterans Day, those we served with and who gave their lives in service to our country. Whether they serve during a time of war or peace, our military service personnel commit themselves to protecting and defending our freedoms, citizens and country, both here and abroad.
In many ways, the Veterans Day celebrations of today look much the same as they always have, with parades and memorial services. Of course, one of the most well-known traditions is the Veterans Day National Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Each year, a wreath laying ceremony commences precisely at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and a color guard, made up of members from each of the military services, renders honors to America’s war.
Should you have the opportunity to visit Jefferson City, on the grounds of the State Capitol Building overlooking the Missouri River is a memorial to Missouri veterans. The design features a five-bay limestone colonnade, a scaled reproduction of the Capitol’s columns surrounding the dome. The terraced waterfall welcomes visitors to the reflecting pool which bears the immersed motto: “Missouri Veterans – Guardians of Liberty.” Further east, along “Veterans Walk,” eight black, marble posts symbolize the eight wars fought since Missouri became a state.
Our veterans have kept America free and safe, and their sacrifices are immeasurable. Here in Missouri, we are honored to have approximately 494,000 veterans call the Show-Me State home. On Friday, I encourage you to find some meaningful way to thank them and show them your support. Finally, while words can never adequately describe the debt and gratitude we owe our veterans and their families, on behalf of residents of the 28th Senate District and the State of Missouri, I want to thank all our men and women in uniform for their service.