'Generations in Valor' to honor veterans

A special program involving veterans, students, civic organizations and the Stars and Stripes Museum will occur at the Show Me Center Wednesday.

"Generations in Valor" is a tribute to veterans and the significant role they have played in shaping our nation's history. The event will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with free admission for the daytime program.

The evening program begins at 6:30, and there is a $25 fee donation to the Stars and Stripes Association, an all volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of military history.

About 200 members of the VFW and 200 members of the American Legion are expected to be in attendance, along with students from several area schools.

Joe Frank, past national commander of the American Legion, will be one of the featured speakers during the day.

Former President George Bush plans to send a video presentation to be played during the program. There will be a presentation by the "Brothers in Valor," three brothers who fought in World War II along with another brother who lost his life at Midway. Later, a U.S. Navy ship was named after the deceased brother.

Other activities will include a high school essay contest, an interactive MASH unit, photo exhibits, and an extensive display of war memorabilia from the Stars and Stripes Museum and private individuals.

The primary goal of "Generations in Valor" is a celebration in America about the courage and example given from one generation to succeeding generations, specifically, passing on the actions of valor by our veterans to the youth of our country by offering presentations about the reason veterans risk their lives for their families and their country.

An equally important goal of this effort is to encourage mentoring with valor as a means of moving our country's youth in a positive direction.

This educational opportunity is a great chance to learn about our nation's history firsthand, with people who have helped to mold the history of our nation while in uniform and later as community leaders.

For information , contact Dennis Rigdon, coordinator, at 651-0551.