Memorial Day Ceremony at Veteran's Cemetery

Monday, May 30, 2022

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

A large crowd gathered for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony was held at the Veteran's Cemetery in Bloomfield. Flags adorned every head stone and lines the Columbarium Walls for the event.

The American Flags lining the Columbarium Walls.
The American Flags lining the Columbarium Walls.
Bradley Williams with the Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard leads the Pledge of Allegiance.
Kara Bone sang the national anthem.
Jack Gilles with the Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard offered both the invocation and the benediction.
Missouri Veterans Cemetery Director, Tammy Smith, welcomed everyone to the ceremony.
Larry M. Mathews, U.S. Army Colonel Retired, was the keynote speaker for the event.
Gary Kitchen, U.S. Army Sargent First Class Retired, narrated the POW/MIA Table ceremony.
Justin W. Baker, U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Retired, represents the U.S. Coast Guard in the POW/MIA Table Ceremony.
Captain Mike Williams, represents the U.S. Air Force in the POW/MIA Table Ceremony.
Carl Bess, U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Retired, represents the U.S. Navy in the POW/MIA Table ceremony.
Sargent Jesse Well places a headcover representing the U.S. Marine Corps.
Charles Long, U.S. Army Sargent First Class Retired, places a headcover representing the U.S. Army.
The military veterans invert the glasses to to remind us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities.
The veterans salute the POW/MIA table.
Flags adorn the headstones at the Veterans Cemetery.
Bradley Williams plays Taps.
The Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard fires the ceremonial volley.
The Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard fires the ceremonial volley.
Seven year old Emilia McKay prays in front of the Columbarium Wall following the ceremony.