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Health & Fitness

Memorial Day Observances 2011

Did you secure a Buddy Poppy yesterday as a symbol of sacrifices and continuing needs of our veterans?

Missouri recently led many, widely diverse ceremonies, highlighting a prayer service for citizens of Joplin, MO, to support tornado relief for that ravaged city, which included Governor Nixon and President Obama held on Sunday, and televised across the country on C-Span live.

Washington, DC, allowed us to see the great Symphony Orchestra, and members of all military units in the usual great program from the Capitol lawn on Sunday evening.

Then on Monday, Memorial Day, all across the country, services were carried out at national cemeteries, with the lead one being the placing of a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Serviceman in Arlington.  The traditional flag setting and program at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery probably would lead Misouri's local efforts.

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There used to be four bodies at the Unknown Soldier, until one was identified a few years ago. I was able to attend his reburial at Jefferson Barracks. When I drive through the cemetery, I drive down to the river end where the body of the namesake of Eureka's American Legion Post 177 is buried, Corporal O'Brien, quite near the circle where the former Unknown now lies.

Along with a couple of hundred others, I attended Memorial Day 2011 at sponsored by Scout Troop 778 with color guards from the American Legion and Fenton Knights of Columbus, and troop 778 Scouts posting the colors.  It was good to see the young people active, as I viewed the audience of mostly older veterans and their families.

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Colonel Dan Mater did the duty as guest speaker, and drew on his 30 years duty in the U.S. Marine Corps to impart duty and patriotism to the listeners.

Harry Hawkins, commander of Legion Post 400 of Fenton, read the names of deceased members of the community in active duty and included recent local veterans who died.  It was an impressive list.

Members of my family attended the Eureka VFW and Pacific Legion Posts, and were busy presenting Buddy Poppies at Schnucks and other places on the weekend. Buddy Poppies are a big part of their activities when donations are used to support veterans and their families. The poppy reminds the community of the past sacrifices and continuing needs of our veterans. The poppy has become a nationally known and recognized symbol, and is worn to honor the men and women who served and died for their country in all wars.

We had a beautiful day weather-wise and great programs to bring understanding to those who took part.  Thanks to all who did the programs, and also those who attended or donated for poppies.

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