Home's veterans display in Jackson draws admirers

John Rice said people have a habit of stopping by his house at 1443 Oak St. in Jackson to snap pictures or admire his veterans display.

Some people have gone out of their way to thank Rice and his wife when they worked in their front yard.

“I’ve met more people in Jackson than I’ve ever known before,” Rice said.

Rice began building his display in May before Memorial Day, inspired by the military history in his and his wife’s families.

Rice was a Marine, serving in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. His grandfather and his wife’s grandfather served in World War I, and their fathers served in World War II. Rice had uncles serve during World War II in the Navy and Army. Rice’s grandson is serving on Parris Island in South Carolina.

“Everybody on both sides of the family have been in the military,” Rice said. “It goes all the way back to the American Revolution.”

It began with two 20-foot-tall flag poles with the American flag and the Marines flag.

Rice decided to keep modifying the display, adding a 13-star American flag, POW flag, Christian flag and Vietnam Veterans flag, running the total number of flags to nine.

He said his military experience had a profound effect on his life.

“Being over there in Saigon, you know, you see a lot tragedy,” Rice said. “With your buddies, you get to know them, and you’re close to them. ... One moment, they’re with you, and next thing you know, they’re gone, too. That’s why a lot of men bring back the battle scars that they don’t talk about.”

A bed of white rocks was laid to connect the display.

On top of small pedestals are large medallions for each branch of service.

In the middle, there is a 2-foot-tall Statue of Liberty separating the military symbols from the two connected tablets of the Ten Commandments.

On each side of the display are statues of bald eagles, wings spread wide.

All of this is illuminated at night by 14 LED bulbs.

Rice’s devotion to the military and his Christian beliefs are featured.

He said the Ten Commandments and the duties of a soldier can co-exist.

“Well, the Ten Commandments are what we should live by; that was the law from Moses to the people. If we were to live by the Ten Commandments every day, our land would be better off,” Rice said. “We’re told to fight to defend our country. We’ve got to keep our freedom. ... Didn’t David slew Goliath? ... Sometimes killing is justified, though.”

The Statue of Liberty represents freedom and new beginnings.

The ancestors of Rice’s mother came from Ireland, and the Statue of Liberty would have been one of the first objects they saw in the United States.

Altogether, the display has cost Rice thousands of dollars, it’s something he believes is worth the cost to show respect to veterans.

“I’ve had a lot of veterans stop by,” Rice said. “They appreciate this. A lot of people really appreciate this.”

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address: 1443 Oak St., Jackson, MO