On the day of remembrance, the Bloomfield Missouri State Veteran's Cemetery administration organized and held the annual Memorial Day Service. The beautiful event brought members of different communities to celebrate and honor those who have served their country. Even though the weather was hot, the seats were all filled and the overflow section was full of patriots waiting to pay their respects.
Tammy Smith, director of the cemetery, thanked everyone who decided to spend their afternoon to remember those who fought for the United States and lost their lives. The invocation was provided by Captain Mike Williams, pledge of allegiance was lead by Bradley Williams, and the national anthem was sang by Kara King.
The POW/MIA Table Ceremony recognized and honored prisoners of war and missing in action soldiers for the sacrifice they made for their country.
Keynote speaker Colonel Jack Jackson explained it is important to remember those who lost their lives for this country. He said, we all are here for something similar.
"As I look around at those walking through this cemetery - heads bowed, tears falling, hands lightly touching the tomb stones - we are all here for someone." Jackson said. "From the deepest point of my heart, all of those people walking through this cemetery have something in common; the people that their are here respecting and mourning over had given up their freedoms so we may have ours."
Benediction was given by Captain Williams and the Firing of Volley commenced. Once the shots were fired, John Lancaster played the Taps. Community members in the audience lingered and gave a moment of silence after the Taps were finished. Director Smith, then returned to dismiss and thank everyone for coming. Community members and loved ones stayed after to find their fallen soldiers' tombstones to have a personal time of remembrance.