A DAY FOR REMEMBERING

When World War II veteran John Freeze did not stand as taps began at a Memorial Day program in Cape Girardeau Monday, people around him knew something was wrong.

Freeze, who just an hour earlier had stood at attention as the "Marine Corps Hymn" was performed by the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band, stopped breathing following an apparent heart attack during the program sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Joint Veterans Council.

A crowd of about 400 people attending the program at the Osage Centre sat watching -- and some praying -- as emergency workers and others worked to restart Freeze's heart and breathing. After about 10 minutes, Freeze's heart began beating and he was transported by ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center, where he was listed in serious but stable condition Monday evening.

"It was a practical, real-life demonstration of what this day is about," said Dr. Samuel McVay, who was the featured speaker during the program.

McVay, a former administrator of the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, is the current executive director of the Missouri Veterans Commission, responsible for the seven veterans homes in the state as well as the Missouri Veterans Cemeteries Program.

In his speech, McVay encouraged people to honor Missouri's 547,000 aging veterans and remember the thousands of prisoners of war and soldiers listed as missing in action who worked to preserve American freedom and democracy.

He said people also should contribute to fund raisers under way in the region that will support programs and services for veterans when organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars are no longer active.

"Over 1 million Americans have died for our country," McVay said. "We owe it to them to remember the legacy they have provided so that we might enjoy the freedoms we have today."

A similar Memorial Day message was delivered at the Jackson Cemetery, where more than 150 people gathered before an American flag being flown at half-staff to pay tribute to area veterans.

The program was sponsored by the American Legion Post 158.

The Rev. Daniel Hale, keynote speaker and pastor of the First Baptist Church of Millersville, Mo., tearfully spoke about his father's experiences as a young soldier during World War II. Although Hale's father survived the war, he said there are many American soldiers whose contributions to freedom are noted on stone grave markers.

"Many of you have been through battles where you've lost friends and loved ones," Hale said. "Some have visited national cemeteries throughout the world that show the gift of life people have given so that we might enjoy the freedoms we have today. May these stones and the bronze plaques that decorate them be reminders to us of all those who have given their lives."