Veterans recognized for service with state medal

Perryville always recognizes is veterans and military members any chance it can. This week was no exception. Five volunteers at the Missouri National Veterans Memorial received special Missouri War Medallions and certificates during a ceremony Tuesday.
“These medals and certificates are in honor of their service and sacrifices on behalf of the country during the Vietnam War and other stages of war.” MNVM Operations Coordinator Deanna Klunder said.
Francis Bucher (Vietnam), Roger Carney (Vietnam), Robert Jenkins (Vietnam and Desert Storm), Ronald Anderson (Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom: New Dawn), Kristine Anderson (Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom: New Dawn) were honored for their service.
“This is an award that is only given to military members that have served in the special capacities that we recognize today,” Captain Roger Plues said “You are recognized for your selfless sacrifices to this country.”
In 2014, two new programs were approved with Senate Bill 600 which recognized those who served in Desert Storm/Desert Shield and Iraqi Freedom: New Dawn. It was with this newest program that was the center of Tuesday’s ceremony.

A similar medal and certificate for veterans of Missouri was created in 2000 with Senate Bill 961 for the World War II Awards Program which allowed every Missouri veterans and spouses of deceased veteran who honorable served from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946. To date, 46,497 awards have been presented.
Another bill to honor Korean War Veterans was created in 2003 for veterans who served in the United States or overseas from June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955. To date more than 17,000 Missouri Veterans have been presented with that award.
In 2006, a similar program was created for Vietnam War veterans as well, of which more than 29,000 awards have been presented.
While the awards given out on Tuesday were a nice recognition of several veterans, Kluender reminded everyone in attendance that veterans should be recognized daily.
“We remember our country on days such as the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day,” she said. “However, every day should be Veterans Day. Our military and Veterans have made the United States what it is today.”