Friday was a day off for many Americans in honor and appreciation of those who have served our country through military service.
An annual event, held at the Veterans Memorial Wall located in front of the Black River Coliseum, honored all soldiers, those who have fallen as well as those who served.
Members of the Poplar Bluff JROTC every year set a table in remembrance of prisoners of war and those missing in action. Each item on the table, right down to a pinch of salt to represent of the tears of families longing for answers, denotes hope and respect for those who have served.
United States Navy veteran Lieutenant Larry Kimbrow addressed the crowd by explaining the symbolism of the Missing Man Table, also referred to as the Fallen Comrade Table. The round table is set for one and adorned with a white cloth, symbolizing the purity of motive in the call to serve. The single rose represents the blood many have shed as well as those still seeking answers for lost loved ones, while the red ribbon symbolizes a commitment to accounting for the missing. A glass turned upside down is for the toast they cannot share, a slice of lemon is for their bitter fate and a lighted candle is a reflection of hope illuminating the way home. The Bible is representative of the strength gained through faith and the seat at the table will forever remain unclaimed.
The keynote speaker, United States Marine Corps veteran Jesse Wells, addressed the crowd taking time to recognize his family who he said traveled from Tennessee to support him, as well as his wife who encouraged him to “speak from the heart” about what veterans mean to him.
“Today, as I look out into the crowd I see so many veterans here, but you know what I see, I see my brothers, I see my brothers in arms,” said Wells. “See us soldierss — we share a common bond with each other, whether we served in wartime, peacetime, a different branch or in different decades, we all share a bond of military life.”
He went on to speak with pride about his late uncle who passed due to his exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam. Wells said his uncle told him stories of how he was spat on because of his uniform upon his return to the states.
“Us veterans we must take care of each other,” said Wells, “our time in the service may be over, but we have to carry on the mission of honor, courage, loyalty and commitment to one another because we are family — we are brothers.”
Chandra Miller, Associate Director for patient care services at the local John J. Pershing Veterans Medical Center, also spoke, discussing some of her experiences serving those who have served our country. “Their wars live on in their minds and bodies, in scars visible and invisible — today we recommit to honoring America’s veterans and renewing our obligation to fulfill President Lincoln’s charge to care for those who shall have worn the medal and their families caregivers and survivors,” said Miller.
The Armed Forces Medley was performed by United States Airforce Captain, James Todd. Also in attendance were students from the Poplar Bluff High School Choir who performed The National Anthem and God Bless America, led by choir director Josh Allen.
Taps was played by PBHS band director Steve Winters, followed by The SEMO Veterans Honor Guard rifle salute.
Veterans Day, which was originally called Armistice Day, was designed to give recognition to those who served during WWI, but in 1954 expanded to recognize all those who have served.
The memorial service was a respectful and proud tribute to service members of every branch. “You are not forgotten so long as there is one left to prove your memory,” said Kimbrow.