“When you came through the gates today and looked out over this cemetery, what a beautiful sight isn't it, absolutely beautiful,” said keynote speaker Colonel Larry W. Matthews, U.S. Army Retired. “We were in Arlington last August. And for those of you who have seen it and for those who have been there of course, it is much bigger but I can tell you it is not any prettier than where we are seated today.”
Matthews was speaking of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield during the annual Memorial Day ceremony. American flags lined the roads, lined the Columbarium Walls and adorned each headstone.
“What brings us all here today? I saw some things online the other day and it kind of gave me an idea of what the differences are between Armed Forces (Day), Veterans (Day) and Memorial Day,” said Matthews. “Armed Forces Day is for those still in uniform, Veterans Day is for celebrating those who have hung the uniform up and Memorial Day, which we are here today for is to celebrate those who never made it out of uniform.”
Matthews said the more than 4,600 interred at the cemetery were the distinguished guests that were watching over those at the ceremony. Matthew further said that 9,100 had signed forms to express there wishes to be interred at the Veterans Cemetery.
“I want us to remember, I want us to celebrate, I want us to talk about the sacrifices of our heroes and our sheroes,” said Matthews.
He then asked those in attendance to raise their hand if they were there to recognize and remember a friend or family member in WWII. He then did the same for those who served in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan. Matthews then thanked the family members for being in attendance.
“When you look at these tombstones or when you look at any tombstone, you will notice there is a date where someone was born and there is a date where someone has died,” said Matthews. “In between those dates is just a very small space, and we have to realize that this very small space is their life here on Earth. So today that is why we are here, all of us, to celebrate that very small space.”
Matthews then explained how to honor those interred at the cemetery with coins. He said if you leave a penny on the headstone in honors and recognizes the veteran, a nickle signifies that you attended basic training with them, a dime means you served with them and a quarter signifies that you were with the veteran when they passed away.
Gary Kitchen, U.S. Army Sargent First Class Retired, narrated the POW/MIA Table ceremony to honor and remember Prisoners of War and those listed as Missing in Action.
Kitchen explained the meaning of each item on the table. The Table itself is round to show them that our concern for them is never ending. The white table cloth represents the purity of their response to our country's call to arms.The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God. The empty chairs depict an unknown face, representing no specific, solider, sailor, airman, marine, or coast guard but all who are not here with us. The Black napkins stand for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved, ones, the red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call. The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for. The Black Ribbon on the candle reminds us of those who will not be coming home. The slices of lemon on the bread plate, remind us of their bitter fate. The salt upon the bread plate represents the tears of their families. The wine glass, turned upside down, reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities.
“As we look upon the empty table, do not remember ghosts of the past, but remember friends, family and comrades,” said Kitchen. “Remember those who we have depended on in battles, they depend on us to bring them home.” _
The Stoddard County Veterans Honor Guard fired the ceremonial volley. Honor guard member Bradley Williams then played Taps to conclude the ceremony. Those in attendance then went to the grave sites of their loved ones to pay their respects.