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Local veterans revered with Wreaths of Honor

Moberly Monitor-Index & Democrat - 12/1/2020

Dec. 2--More than 200 Moberly area men and women veterans interred at Oakland Cemetery were honored Saturday morning as part of the 3rd Annual Wreaths of Honor sponsored by the Moberly Altrusa Club.

The event -- which included placement of decorated wreaths bearing a red ribbon placed on veteran's grave sites -- was attended by about 70 persons.

"We appreciate veterans and their families for the sacrifices made to help keep our country safe and keep or maintain freedom for our citizens," said Joan Snodgrass, Moberly Altrusa Club's event chairwoman. "Our Wreaths of Honor is a solemn memorial and reverence for all veterans, no matter if they went to war for us, or who provided other important duties off of the battlefield that helped provide safety and support for our country."

After opening remarks issued by Snodgrass, Pastor Richard Clouse of Carpenter St. Baptist Church offered prayer, and Taps was played on the trumpet by Moberly High School band instructor Jordan Perry and senior student Elizabeth Latson before 210 wreaths were given to event goers to place on veterans' graves.

"I think it's wonderful and lovely. This is very fitting and well-deserving tribute to the men and women that's passed before us who sacrifice so much of their own lives to protect the freedoms we have in the U.S.," Kim Eagan said.

Eagan participated in the Nov. 28 event to honor her father, Herbert Joe Long, who died Oct. 1, 2016 who served his country in the merchant marines in World War II and then in the air force during the Korean War.

Among the other veteran families represented was Mary McKeown along with eight of her extended family members. McKeown honored her father, Hugh M. Kelly who was a Lieutenant Commander with the U.S. Navy that died Oct. 8, 2000. McKeown said her father was a fighter pilot in World War II that flew off a battle ship.

Snodgrass said the 60-member women's club once considered getting involved with the nationwide Wreaths Across America program started in 1992. This popular ceremony honors veterans at more than 1,000 veteran memorial cemeteries across the United State as one of its community enrichment activities.

Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Jacksonville is 15 miles north of Moberly and is the closest of five designated military cemeteries in the state that is annually engaged with the Wreaths Across America program. However, Snodgrass said the club choose to honor veterans locally and that its Wreaths of Honor event compliments what's performed nationwide.

"After some discussion we learned there are several persons that have lived in this community who served our country and are laid to rest here at Oakland Cemetery and at Memorial Park. Therefore we thought it would be a good idea to help pay our respects and honor the men and women veterans who passed away before a veterans cemetery was located in our area," Snodgrass said. "Everybody was thrilled and happy to take on this project and invite our community to join us."

Snodgrass said club members insisted to support the local economy and reached out to Moberly merchants to learn where they can acquire the kind of decorated wreaths to lay on veterans' grave sites Knot As It Seems Flowers & Gifts, 500 W. Hwy 24, became Altrusa Club's business partner where public donations and fundraisers helped purchase a $20 Wreath of Honor in remembrance of a loved veteran.

More than 400 veterans are believed to be buried at Oakland and Memorial Park cemeteries combined. Snodgrass is hopeful community participation will grow to allow for a Wreath of Honor ceremony be held at both cemetery locations each Saturday following Thanksgiving Day holiday and that wreaths are able to be placed at every veterans' marker.

"One of our club's missions is to teach younger generation of kids on the importance to be respectful and to honor our veterans, both to those that have passed away and to our country's service men and women that are both living and serving today," Snodgrass added."Our Altrusa Club has three mottos; Patriotism, Literacy and Efficiency in serving the community."

Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Jacksonville will hold its annual event Saturday, Dec. 19 allowing the public to place a wreath on a veterans grave site from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a ceremony held at noon.

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