Area salutes those who served on Veterans Day

Joe Don Randol still remembers the moment he saw the Berlin Wall fall in 1989.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Randol said the event signified the importance of freedom that he and others have fought to protect.

"It was all about democracy, and that's something we're still fighting for today," Randol said moments after the conclusion of a Veterans Day program at Jackson High School. "For those not serving, this day was important because they are reminded of how important freedom is. And for us veterans it shows an appreciation for the sacrifices we've given."

A display of flags leads up to the Memorial to Veterans of All Wars at Brookside Park in Jackson on Veterans Day. (Fred Lynch)

Randol was among the many Southeast Missouri residents who remembered those who have served in the armed forces at Veterans Day activities held throughout the area.

Jackson High School hosted a program with patriotic music, video tributes and recognition of veterans.

During the program Kristi Nitsch, director of U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's Cape Girardeau office, read a letter from the congresswoman. In the letter, Emerson said Veterans Day is "a time to think about our American home where they have helped preserve our freedom. It is also a time to recognize their accomplishments in the world around us -- perhaps an ocean away -- where they have made freedom possible."

In Cape Girardeau, the Joint Veterans Council held a 25-minute time of remembrance at Freedom Corner at the corner of Broadway and West End Boulevard.

"On this day, in this month, at this precise hour a grateful nation pauses to honor all Americans who fought and continue to fight so that others may enjoy peace," said Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm veteran Wayne Wallingford in his speech. "For this we are thankful for their honorable service and their contributions to our national security."

Wallingford said that while he believes America is one of the last remaining free countries, recent events such as the deadly shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, are an increasing threat. The Nov. 5 incident was the worst mass shooting on an American military base, which left 13 dead.

At the Missouri Veterans Home, more than 200 residents and staff were treated to a barbecue lunch and bingo party, courtesy of the Southeast Missouri chapter of Electrical Connection, a union group. Business representative Bill Walz said members of the organization consider this a highlight of all the community work they do.

"We're able to spend the day with a group of people who have done so much for our country," Walz said. "They're people who spent the prime of their life defending our freedom. Now, in their twilight, we're able to serve them."

One of the day's final activities was a parade in uptown Jackson. The 45-minute parade featured patriotic tunes by school bands and appearances by members of all branches of the U.S. military.

Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr was among those who participated in the parade. Her late husband, Bob, served in the armed forces.

"The entire day was very stirring and emotional," Lohr said. "As the wife of a veteran, it just makes you proud to be a part of the day."

Veterans are some of the clients of Dr. Mark Kinder, a health psychologist at Saint Francis Medical Center.

Kinder recently joined the national not-for-profit organization Give An Hour, which provides free mental health services to military personnel and their families. He's hoping more veterans in the area take advantage of the service.

Kinder said the service is valuable because veterans experience an incredible amount of stress from what they've seen on the battlefield.

"Everyone experiences different types of stress, and incidents like that of Fort Hood can heighten that," Kinder said. "There's this sense of security on a base. So there is some damage to that sense of security when that trust is broken. Hopefully they'll get the help they need."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

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A color guard from American Legion Post 63 posts the colors at Freedom Corner in Capaha Park to begin a Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

Cape Girardeau, MO