VETERAN'S DAY 2008

VETERANS HELPING VETERANS - "THAT'S WHAT WE DO"

VFW Post CommanderTony Carroll

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Posted at 06:35 AM on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by Public Relations Officer

The rain stopped in time for Tuesday’s Veterans Day ceremony in Farmington, but the 48-degree temperature and constant breeze sent chills into the bones of onlookers. The annual tradition drew a large crowd to the St. Francois County Courthouse, where the Farmington High School Band began the celebration by performing patriotic songs. Following an invocation by Chaplain Joel Meador, VFW Post 5896 Commander Tony Carroll welcomed state and local VFW members, other veterans, families of veterans, and citizens who came to honor those who fought for freedom. “I’m glad to see the Almighty has given us a break in the weather on this, our day,” said Carroll, who served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. VFW Post 5896 Commander Tony Carroll (left) and Post Chaplain Joel Meador (right) stand in front courthouse presiding over the Veteran's Day ceremony. (Story and photo by Paula Barr, Daily Journal Newspaper)

Farmington High School Air Force JROTC present the colors at the Veteran's Day ceremony. (photo by Paula Barr)

The main guest speaker at the Veteran’s Day ceremony was Colonel Jack Jackson, USMC (Ret.) who spoke directly to the veterans, thanking them for their service and sacrifice for this country. Colonel Jack Jackson flew more than 300 combat missions in Vietnam, receiving several campaign medals as well as four Distinguished Flying Crosses, 33 Air Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal (with combat V). Upon returning from Vietnam, Col. Jackson was a test pilot for the United States military and later the Boeing Company, becoming the nation's most experienced Vertical / Short Take-off and Landing (VSOTL) pilot. Col. Jackson was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2002 and received "Legislator of the Year" awards from the Missouri Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2003, 2005 and 2006.

Members of American Legion Post 416, Disabled American Veterans, VFW Post 5896, AMVETS Post 113, American War Mothers and Daughters of the American Revolution took turns placing wreaths at the Courthouse monument to fallen troops.

VFW Post 5896 Rifle Squad commanded by Jerry Rawlins execute the volley of three in honor of the fallen. (photo by Paula Barr)

VFW Post 5896 was honored to have Dept. of Missouri Commander Tom Hartman (right) and Dept. of Missouri Sr. Vice Commander Dave Morgan (left) at our Veteran's Day ceremony. VFW Post 5896 Commander Tony Carroll (center).