Memorial Day services in Downtown Poplar Bluff brought out more than 100 veterans, families and residents to pay tribute to American military personnel who died in service to their country.
Picture-perfect weather at the Veterans Memorial Wall outside the Black River Coliseum contributed to what ceremony host Larry Kimbrow called “the biggest crowd in recent memory” for this event.
Kimbrow, a retired lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy who served in both Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm, said the event was to “pay tribute to those military members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”
Reflecting on the change in the U.S. military over the decades to provide more opportunities for women to serve, both of the primary addresses at the ceremony featured female speakers.
Chandra Miller, associate director for patient care services at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, spoke first, observing that “honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country has never been an easy task.”
She quoted President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and said fallen veterans “gave their lives in war so that others could live in peace.”
“Our way of life is a beacon of hope and freedom to those on distant shores,” Miller said.
In supporting that way of life through military service, Miller said “their sacrifices advanced our values, beliefs and goals as a nation.”
The keynote speaker, Mary Jane Bader, a retired staff sergeant in the U.S. Army National Guard was the first woman to deliver the keynote address at this event.
Called into active duty in Iraq in 2003 at age 44, Bader recalled two frightening incidents, a missile attack at Christmas in 2003 and a nearby RPG attack on Easter 2004.
She was the quartermaster in a signal battalion in Iraq, and she said she was “overwhelmed by all the support from her family, her church, her community and especially from other military families.”
Bader said the younger soldiers in her unit called her “Mama Bader,” and because she was older and more experienced than many of them, she was able to help provide mental and emotional support through the deployment.
When she celebrated her 45th birthday in Iraq, she received a special gift; she was allowed to swim in a marble swimming pool at the palace of deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
“We need to be thankful for what we have and for what others do for us,” Bader said. “This day is for our fallen heroes.”
She read through the total numbers of military deaths throughout all the wars in America’s history, pointing out that “these numbers are names.”
“Everyone’s lost loved ones were family to someone,” she said.
Also speaking at the event on behalf of the POW/MIAs was Staff Sgt. Kevin Tinker, U.S. Navy (ret.), who said, “We are compelled to never forget those who have endured pain in service to our country.”
“We call them comrades,” Tinker said, “and bear witness to their continued absence.”
The invocation and benediction were given by Rafael Machuca, USMC, chaplain at John J. Pershing VAMC.
Capt. James Todd, U.S. Air Force (ret.), performed the National Anthem at the opening of the ceremony. He also preceded the benediction with a stirring version of “God Bless the USA,” a patriotic song made popular by country singer Lee Greenwood.
Memorial floral wreaths were presented by American Legion Auxiliary 153, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 6477 and Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 1056.
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.”
Kimbrow used his closing remarks to recognize all those who had contributed to the ceremony, in particular Kaye Sparkman for her efforts in helping to organize the event.