Mo. treasurer visits Cape, speaks about new law on military medals

Missouri state Treasurer Clint Zweifel honored military veterans during a visit Friday to the Cape Girardeau VFW to outline House Bill 1524.

The bill, signed by Gov. Nixon last week, forbids the sale of military medals held by the treasurer's Unclaimed Property Division and allows the state to partner with museums and other veterans organizations to care for and display the medals until the owners or heirs are found.

Before the bill was passed, unclaimed military medals could be auctioned off after about two years.

"This is an important way to honor [military] sacrifices," Zweifel said.

The treasurer's office is holding more than 100 military medals, three from Southeast Missouri. Zweifel brought a display of 15 military medals and a variety of ribbons to the news conference.

"This is a great service for veterans that earned the medals and ribbons," said veteran Wayne Wallingford Jr. of Cape Girardeau. "It preserves the memory of their service."

The bill takes effect Aug. 28.

Pertinent address:

1049 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO