Memorial Day service at Missouri Veterans Ceremony

Monday, May 27, 2019

DEXTER STATESMAN/Josh Ayers

The annual Memorial Day Service was held under sunny skies at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery at Bloomfield. A large crowd gathered to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

During the POW/MIA Table ceremony the representatives of the five service branches invert the glass at each place setting. This is to done to show that the missing servicemen and prisoners of war can't toast with us today but maybe tomorrow.
The Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard stands at attention during the national anthem.
The flags that line the Memorial Wall.
Captain Tom Love with United States Marine Corps places a hat representing the Marine Corps on the POW/MIA table.
Billy Pat Wright addressed the large crowd.
Bloomfield Cubscout Pack 72 member Logan Tidwell helps hand out poppies for the VFW before the service.
Tommy Horton, retired Master Sargeant Missouri Army National Guard, narrated the POW/MIA table ceremony.
The Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard firing the ceremonial volley.
Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard member Bradley Williams playes TAPS to end the service.
The POW/MIA table
Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard member Bradley Williams lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pastor Ronnie Stevens lead the invocation and benediction.
Kara King sang the national anthem at the start of the program.
Keynote speaker U.S. Army Retired Lieutenant Colonel Bob Thrower.
Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard member Lynn Mattingley fires a shot during the ceremonial volley.
A flag was placed at each grave stone and long the Memorial Wall in the days prior to the ceremony.
A flag was placed at each grave stone and long the Memorial Wall in the days prior to the ceremony.