A warm and windy Memorial Day in downtown Poplar Bluff greeted more than 100 military veterans, families and residents for the annual ceremony to pay tribute to American Armed Forces who died in service to the nation.
Larry Kimbrow, a retired lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy and president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1056, once again served as both host and officiant for the ceremonies.
Kimberly Adkins, associate medical center director for the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, delivered the opening remarks, reminding those gathered how President Lincoln, in his dedication of the military cemetery at Gettysburg said, “…the world will little note nor long remember what we say here but it can never forget what they did here.”
“Such is the case today and always,” Adkins said.
“Memorial Day is a time to solemnly remember to ensure that none of us ever forget our fallen, who for nearly 250 years have devoted themselves to the cause of liberty,” she said.
“Those citizen-soldiers who loved freedom beyond measure have been our ramparts against the forces of fear and tyranny in all those years since,” Adkins said.
The keynote speaker was retired Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Brian Burlingame, a 30-year veteran whose tours of duty included Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and Kuwait.
“I am humbled for being allowed to speak as we pay tribute to these true heroes for their service and sacrifice to our nation,” Burlingame said.
“It’s a day allowing us to pay our respects and honor our fallen warriors,” he said, “the men and women who made it possible for us to gather here in peace because of their unselfish acts of heroism.”
In citing the total historical number of U.S. military deaths at 1.2 million, Burlingame said, “It is our responsibility to make sure the world knows just how special they were and the price they paid for each of us here today.”
“I am convinced they are here in spirit and hopefully very proud of the manner in which we continue their legacy and honor their sacrifice,” he said.
Burlingame encouraged current and future generations to continue to value the contributions of our military veterans, especially those who died in service.
“We must ensure the legacy of these past heroes are never forgotten and their sacrifices are never in vain,” he said.
“They sought out a much larger purpose than themselves,” he said. “They were difference makers whose impacts are still relevant today because they changed lives.”
“We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never repay fully, but we can always honor and remember them on special days like today.”
Speaking on behalf of the POW/MIAs was Bardis Dismuke, vice-president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1056. He referred to a small table set for one, symbolic of the veteran still missing in action.
Upon the table were other symbols of sacrifice: lemon for the bitterness of the loss, salt for the tears of the family, and a red rose to symbolize the blood shed in service.
Vanessa Ruesle of John J. Pershing VA Medical Center performed the National Anthem. “God Bless America,” was performed a capella by Marine Corps veteran Doyle Sappington.
The posting of colors was done through the service of the American Legion Riders Post 494 from Qulin.
Upon the conclusion of the keynote address, the SEMO Veterans Honor Guard of Poplar Bluff presented a 21-gun salute followed by the playing of “Taps.”