Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery

Monday, November 11, 2019

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The annual Veterans Day Ceremony was held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. The cold, rainy weather didn't dampen the spirits of the crowd that showed to honor America's Veterans.

The Bloomfield High School Band played both the entrance and exiting music for the event.
Bradley Williams with the Stoddard County Honor Guard led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The national anthem was sang by Kara King.
Cemetery Director Tammy Smith welecomed evryone and introduced the keynote speaker.
The Stoddard County Honor Guard fires the ceremonial volley.
The keynote speaker was Retired United States Air Force Major John Myers.
Smith presented Myers with an Air force emblem as a thank you for taking the time to speak at the event.
Retired Sergeant First Class Gary Kitchen narrated the POW/MIA Table Ceremony.
A representative of each branch of the military carried hat to the table representing those who served in that branch of the military who are listed as POW or MIA in hope they will someday come home. Representing the United States Army was Retired Sergeant First Class Charles Long.
Retired Captain Tom Love represented the United States Marine Corp.
The United States Navy was to be represented by Retired Petty Officer First Class Carl Bess. However Bess was unable to attend. United States Army Private First Class Les Barker stepped in to represent the United States Navy.
Representing the Air Force during the ceremony was United States Air Force Reserves Captain Mike Williams.
Representing the United States Coast Guard was Retired Chief Warrant Officer Four Justin Baker.
The veterans stand in silence around the POW/MIA table.
The glasses are inverted because those listed as POW or MIA cannot drink with us today, but maybe tomorrow.
The veterans participating in the POW/MIA Table Ceremony from left: Retired Army Sergeant First Class Charles Long, Retired United States Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Four Justin Baker, Retired Sergeant First Class Gary Kitchen, United States Air Force Reserves Captain Mike Williams, Retired United States Marine Corp Captain Tom Love and United States Army Private First Class Les Barker.
The Stoddard County Honor Guard stands at attention during the ceremony.
Bradley Williams would also play Taps at the ceremony.
Pastor Ronnie Stevens led both the invocation and the benediction.