Veterans Day ceremonies around the Four States — Part 2
JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity was part of one Monday morning at the American Legion and VFW posts in Webb City. Seven local veterans, who've been involved with Habitat either as volunteers or recipients of housing services in the past, were recognized for their military service.
This included Janene Houskeeper, a former Electrician's Mate Fireman in the U.S. Navy, who is also the recipient of a home through the organization — one that will be built across the street from the American Legion and VFW.
'It's really humbling. I'm not an impressive veteran by any means. I did one, one enlistment. It's kind of crazy. It's still unreal. It's – it's like winning the lottery when you weren't even really trying,' said Houskeeper.
'It just fills your heart. I've been happy since the moment I woke up just thinkin' about this moment, because these are some of my – these are some of my favorite people. They're wonderful people – kind, the gratitude is – and they – nobody does anything because they want anything other than they want to do a good job,' said Scott Clayton, Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity Exec. Director.
Since beginning in Joplin in 1989, Habitat has built 186 homes and made more than 500 repairs for homeowners with housing needs.
Also in Joplin, American Legion Post 13 placed flags at more than 25 graves.
The tradition began around four years ago at the request of Peace Church Cemetery Association President and Post 13 member, Jim Beeler. Veterans buried at Peace Church Cemetery served in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, both World Wars, and Korea. The Legion is proud to honor veterans who might otherwise be forgotten.
'We believe every veteran deserves to be recognized for his service. Whether it was in combat or not, once you raise your hand and take that oath, you're putting yourself on the line, or agreeing that if you need to you'll put your life on the line for our country. And that needs to be recognized and honored,' said Bob Harrington, American Legion Post 13 Commander.
The Legion places flags at the graves every Memorial and Veterans Day and decorates them with wreaths for Christmastime.
LAMAR, Mo. —More than 800 candles were lit this evening in Lamar to honor fallen veterans.
The Barton County Memorial Park held its 2nd annual memorial lighting ceremony.
Flags were placed on the headstones of veterans.
Then, after placing and lighting a candle on each one, those in attendance recited the lyrics to 'Ragged Old Flag' by Johnny Cash.
That was followed by all of the lights being turned off in the park, and 'Barton County Memorial Park' President Joe Davis reading aloud the names of all of the veterans represented there.
'I think it's very important to remember all of our vets, because of all the sacrifices them and also their families have — have sacrificed,' said George Odell, Vietnam veteran.
The park features seven monuments honoring veterans, and the work continues to add a first responder memorial.
PITTSBURG, Kan. — The annual ceremony was held at the PSU Veterans Memorial Monday afternoon.
It was a community affair, as sixth graders from both Pittsburg Community Middle School and St. Mary's Colgan were invited to attend—some even performed a musical piece.
The hope is that the younger generation will walk away with a better understanding of the importance of recognizing those who have served our country, a commitment Pittsburg State proudly acknowledges.
'We have many students who have come to school on the GI Bill, certainly, and who have served their country proudly over the course of time, from the very beginning of the university. And so, we feel that we need to honor them, because they provide the protections that have allowed us to remain free,' said Kathleen Flannery, PSU VP for University Advancement.
The PSU Veterans Memorial honors veterans of all wars or conflicts, not just one specific war.
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