MNVM hosts ‘Wreaths Across America’ recognition

A ceremony took place Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Missouri National Veterans Memorial for the nationwide Wreaths Across America event.
“The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price,” said DeAnna Kluender, the operations coordinator at the Missouri National Veterans Memorial. “Lying here before us, and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear, we can worship as we see fit, we can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for our leaders.
“The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality. Our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free. We shall not forget you, we shall remember. Today, more than ever, we reflect on the nation’s veterans and the active duty service members who have had and continue to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed. This nation has always been the first to stand up for the freedom of people from around the world. Many of you here today have answered that call and served your country well. For this we say ‘Thank you.’”
Later, Kluender quoted former president Ronald Reagan.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” she said. “It must be fought for and protected for them to do the same or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States, where men were free.”
Kluender encouraged those in attendance Saturday to show a united front of gratitude and respect for veterans in all branches of the armed services.

Wreaths were laid in recognition of each branch of the armed forces, as well as those classified as Prisoner of War or Missing in Action.
Captain Kathryn Rew-Banning of the U.S. Air Force placed the wreath for that branch of service.
“I’ve never been a part of the wreath laying ceremony but definitely honored to be here today,” she said. “(It was) definitely neat to have everybody in their service dress and formal wear honoring the sacrifices of veterans that came before us.”
“We are to remember, not their deaths, but their lives,” said Nancy Guth, executive director of Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial “Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America. These live, balsam, firm wreaths symbolize our honor to those who have served and our serving in the armed forces of our great nation and to their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf. To our children, we want you to understand that the freedoms you enjoy today have not been free but have come at a cost that someday you may be asked to pay. As a nation standing together, we can defeat terrorism, hatred and injustice. Thanks to our veterans, we have the freedom to do just that. We encourage everyone here today who places a wreath on a veteran’s grave to say that veteran’s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country. It’s a small act that goes a long way for keeping the memory of our veterans alive.
The names of 14 individuals were read aloud in memory of their past service.
The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”