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November 3, 2001 Honoring Those Who Served By Jim Kreider, Speaker Missouri House of Representatives The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month -- Veterans Day, a time set aside to honor all of those who have fought and died to preserve the rights of all Americans. Even though it has been more than a half century since we have found ourselves in a global conflict, the recent attacks in Washington and New York underscore the sacrifices our men and women in uniform made in the name of freedom, and how their efforts made our nation strong. During this past legislative session, members of the Missouri House of Representatives recognized the need to pay tribute to those who fought in the last global conflict, and in so doing helped preserve freedom and democracy for our nation and the entire free world. House members overwhelmingly approved passage of an initiative to pay tribute to more than 123,000 World War II veterans still living in Missouri through the issuance of medals and certificates. In addition, those veterans who were a part of the 1944 D-Day invasion will receive a replica of the 50th anniversary “Jubilee of Liberty†medals issued by France in 1994. State officials are planning special presentations to be held at ceremonies throughout the state on Veterans Day. The recent tragedies in Washington, New York, and Pennsylvania underscore the significant sacrifices of the men and women in uniform who defended our nation and helped preserve freedom and democracy a half century ago. By recognizing our veterans for their contribution to history, we are sending a clear message that we appreciate what they have done and their accomplishments will not be forgotten. To be eligible for the medallion, medal and certificate, a veteran must be living in Missouri on Aug. 28, 2000 and must have served in the U.S. military between Dec. 7, 1941 and Sept. 30, 1945. Applicants must have been honorably separated or discharged from military service, unless they are still active service in an honorable status. Applications are available at Missouri Veterans Commission offices; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; on the Missouri National Guard web site at www.moguard.com; or by calling (573) 638-9983. Applicants can also request applications by writing to the Office of the Adjutant General, ATTN: Director; World War II Veterans Recognition Program; Post Office Box 1808; Jefferson City, Mo. 65102. Information required for the application form include an address, serial number, branch of service, rank, unit, dates of World War II service and date landed in Normandy, if applicable. A copy of Record Discharge or Separation from Service of Department of Defense Form 214 is also required. The deadline is Jan. 1, 2002. I encourage all World War II veterans -- or family members on their behalf -- to apply for this very special recognition of their service in World War II. It is long overdue, and the time has come to honor the ‘Greatest Generation’ of this century. | |||||
Paid for by Kreider for Senator.
Bobby Neal Jr., Treasurer. Not at taxpayer's expense.
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