Veterans invited to homecoming

To the editor:

The SEMO Veteran Corps alumni will have a reunion, and all veterans in the region are invited to participate in the Southeast Missouri State University homecoming parade Oct. 21.

Many veterans returned after service to continue their education, find jobs, get married and get on with their lives. Many did not forget the experiences they had in the service and the lifelong friends they made. These veterans served their country when they were called, and it is because of this common bond that the SEMO Veterans Corps requests all veterans to show up and be counted.

The university has allowed us to be at the front of the parade this year, and we are putting out the word to all veterans who have served from World War II on up to the current conflict in Iraq to walk or ride in the available military vehicles and be recognized.

The parade will start with a Marine honor guard, then a large 25-by-40-foot flag carried by 20 veterans, followed by all the veterans walking or riding. After the parade, all the veterans will gather on Bellevue Street in front of the east gate at Houck Field for refreshments and then proceed to the football field to be honored at the pregame ceremony.

We would like all veterans in Southeast Missouri to attend and to show that we are proud to be veterans. Please call me at 334-2875 to let us know how many veterans will be coming.

THOMAS M. MEYER, Cape Girardeau