BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Major John Myers, U.S. Air Force, called veterans brave, courageous, selfless, dedicated, committed and loyal during his address at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield on Veterans Day.
A crowd gathered at the cemetery to pay their respects to all veterans who have served to protect and defend the U.S at a ceremony held Nov. 11.
Myers told the crowd as an instructor he emphasized one thing to his cadets -- "Support and defend the Constitution."
Myers said veterans sacrificed their time and future and sometimes their lives so that "people they will never know have the freedom to live their lives as they want."
Myers said whenever he encounters dissidents in this country, he says, "Thank you." The thanks is meant for all veterans who have provided the freedoms for people to express their opinions and live in a free society.
"You (veterans) are all my heroes," said Myers, adding that spouses and families also make a great sacrifice. "Your sacrifice may even be more than the we as veterans make."
Myers noted the worry that families go through when their loved one is in "far off lands."
"I have nothing but praise for you, " stated Myers.
Myers said he loves talking with veterans.
"We take care of each other because we have a common bond," Myers told the crowd. "Veterans are a living history."
Myers said this common bond will always be with veterans and sets them apart from the general public.
Myers concluded by reading a letter from a girl in Elsinore, Mo., who was the winner of a contest at the school there. The girl praised veterans in her letter.
"You fought for an average girl like me, my family and friends," wrote the girl in the letter. "Your courage allowed me to write this letter."
The letter outlined all the sacrifices made by veterans and honored them for their contribution to freedom.
"That letter is our legacy," Myers concluded.
Myers said he was first at the Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield five years ago when his brother was buried there. He said he visits the cemetery twice a year to visit his brother's grave.
"I want to say to my fellow veterans and families‚-- thank you for your sacrifices. You do so much for our country," said Myers. "It inspires me."
Myers has served for 27 years in two different services -- the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. He is currently assigned as IMA to the Commander, 375 Communications Squadron, Scott Air Force Base in Ill. He directs a 320 member squadron supporting U.S. Transportation Command. He directs cyber operations, maintenance and defense supporting over 1,200 Air Operations Center war fighters. In his civilian occupation, he is employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs as an Information Security Officer.
Cemetery Representative Tammy Smith opened the ceremony. Rev. Mike Williams led the invocation, Bradley Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance, Suzanne Collier sang the National Anthem and Emily Bowling sang Amazing Grace.
Gary Kitchen, SFC, US Army retired, narrated the POW/MIA Table Ceremony. Representing the various services were Charles Long, US Army National Guard retired; Tom Love, Capt., US. Marine Corps retired; Carl Bess, PO1, US Navy retired, Mike Williams, Capt. US Air Force; and Justin Baker, CW04, US Coast Guard retired.
The inspirational POW/MIA Table Ceremony was held as part of the Memorial Day observances, with members of each military branch of the U.S. circling a table set up in honor of the ultimate sacrifice made by veterans from each military branch. Kitchen narrated what each item on the table represented to the families of the MIA/POW.
The Stoddard County Honor Guard provided the "Firing of the Volley," and John Lancaster closed the ceremony with Taps.