POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — More than two dozen veterans who participated in a recent tour of Washington, D.C., assembled in Poplar Bluff on Saturday to rekindle friendships and relive experiences.
The Veterans Honor Tour reunion was attended by more than 80 people from across Southeast Missouri and paid homage to those who served in America’s military.
Sponsored by Poplar Bluff’s Wake Foundation, its donors and the Veterans Honor Tour, 30 veterans enjoyed the trip free of charge, foundation Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Robert Wake said.
The $56,000 tab included transportation, airfare and accommodations at the Crown Plaza Arlington Hotel, Veterans Honor Tour Director Jerry Sneathern noted.
“This is the fourth time we’ve sponsored this trip,” Wake said. “Now I think we’re a permanent fixture in D.C.”
Wake, a Kennett native who received the Purple Heart for injuries he suffered in 2004 at Iraq, said the journey was of importance to him both personally, and as a veteran.
“It’s incredible seeing the reactions on these men and women’s faces when they come into contact with the monuments,” he explained. “Most become quite emotional.
“The Vietnam Era guys at the wall,” he recalled. “World War II guys stood at attention and wept in pride for the experience of being honored.”
World War II veteran Sam Conrad, 92, of Cape Girardeau and his guest Gladys Wilson, were on hand to celebrate the tour. Conrad, a former US Army Corporal who served in Germany was the recipient of both thanks and praise by US Navy Vietnam veteran Ray Dugal, 74, of Poplar Bluff.
“This is the second time I’ve made the trip,” Dugal noted. “The first time I went as a veteran.
“It was really nice then meeting all these guys,” he added. “This time I went as a guardian. It gave me a chance to help all these guys who might have difficulty getting around. There’s a lot of time spent just waiting to see these monuments. It’s a pleasure to serve those who served our country. It’s a privilege. I love to do it.”
Although the participating veterans’ trips were subsidized, guardians pay their own expenses, Sneathern noted. The director said the outings were as comprehensive as possible.
“We visited every monument we could,” Sneathern said. “We were at Arlington National Cemetery for the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”
The group sojourned to about 30 monuments during the three-day affair, including both the Capitol and the White House, the director added.
Rep. Jason Smith of the 8th Congressional District ordered American flags that flew above the Capitol building for presentation to each participant, Wake said.
“They’re also presented with a certificate of appreciation from the congressman,” Constituent Services Mike Schoelhamer said. “Representative Smith is honored to be a part of this and he’s proud to do it.”
In addition, Donna Kiel of Jackson Scrappers and River Heritage Quilt Guilds gifted Honor Tour veterans with quilts.
“We’re very happy to do it,” she said. “We just donated 100 hand-made pillowcases to the Missouri Veterans Home at Cape Girardeau.
“Nearly all of our members come from military families or have family members who are veterans,” she added. “It’s a point of pride for us to honor these people. I think they don’t always get the recognition and thanks they deserve.”
The event took place at the Holiday Inn of Poplar Bluff ballroom, and was catered by Tasteful Creations of Qulin.