FLAG DISPLAY DEDICATED AS A VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE

An avenue of flags around the entrance to the Missouri Veterans Home was dedicated Wednesday as part of a Veterans Day observance at the home.

The project was coordinated by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and includes 35 flags around the circular drive at the main entrance to the home. Flags were donated by U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson and U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond.

Emerson and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Charles Woodford were the featured speakers at the event, which was moved indoors due to wet weather.

LaRae Moore, president of the Cape Jaycees, explained that her organization became involved because it wants "to show our respect and honor to our veterans in this area."

The flags will be flown at various events during the year, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day.

Also on hand for the event was Robert Buckner, executive director of the Missouri Veterans Commission.

In his comments, Woodford discussed the history and meaning of the American flag, which he noted "is a symbol of might and freedom."

He explained that just after America gained its independence, the flag was essential for ships to show they represented a country. With a flag, when stopped by British ships, sailors were treated as prisoners of war; without it, they were killed as pirates.

Woodford recalled that while in Navy boot camp during World War II, he remembers vividly the morning flag ceremonies and the playing of the National Anthem.

"It never failed to bring a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye ... that flag was a welcome sight every morning."

Woodford maintained that the U.S. flag stands for "unity, freedom, tolerance, purpose and national justice."

Emerson told the crowd of an event he had attended earlier in the day at New Madrid, where children from the elementary and middle schools invited veterans from the community to attend a ceremony of thanks.

"As I watched that, I thought about those young children and what a different world they are going to face as they live out their lives to be as old as the people we have here today," said Emerson.

The congressman observed that just last week Americans elected a government, yet many citizens take the right of voting for granted.

"I think we take a lot of our liberties for granted ... but none of these should be taken for granted. We are the example for the world.

"This is an exciting time to be alive; the entire world wants to emulate our system."

Emerson noted that veterans have helped the country withstand challenges to our liberties. "Without our veterans - those who have fought the wars and kept the peace - the liberties we all take for granted may not be here for us."

Emerson said he hoped events like the one being held Wednesday and the Avenue of Flags will help citizens remember the lessons of the past and never forget the contributions made by the nation's veterans.