On Veteran's Day, a friend and I attended the Blue Star Memorial Dedication and Wreath Laying Ceremony at Memorial Union on the University of Missouri-Columbia Campus. Let me begin by telling you, it was SO COLD!  However, it was  hard to complain much once I thought about what our troops, past and present, have gone through and go through to keep us safe! The ceremony was awesome. The university's Chancellor, R. Bowen Loftin, spoke, as did the university's Director of Administrative Services and Alice Havard, President of the Columbia Garden Club. They all spoke quite eloquently on behalf of the Garden Club who so graciously donated the Blue Star Memorial marker. 

Immediately after the dedication of the marker, the guests walked the short distance to Memorial Tower to witness the laying of the wreath in honor of all veterans. The sound of Taps echoing across the campus gave me goosebumps! In fact, I found out later that afternoon there were buglers in various spots on campus performing Taps in unison.   

Rich Grant, founder of the Mizzou Military Veterans Alumni Association, read a letter from a friend of his great uncle who was killed on Armistice Day in World War 1. The heartfelt letter, which was written in the year 1919, was addressed to his great uncle's sweetheart and contained two items his dear friend was returning to her. What a very personal and emotional tribute. The event came to a close with representatives of the Mizzou Student Veterans Association reading the National Roll Call.

This was just one of many events on campus during Veteran's Week that were open to students, faculty and staff, and the general public. My husband and I were able to listen to J.R. Martinez, a US Army Veteran, actor, and best-selling author, speak on Monday evening. He shared his story of being trapped inside a burning Humvee that left 34 percent of his body severely burned - at the tender age of 19! What an amazing and charismatic young man! His humor and passion for life was infectious. His experiences of adapting and overcoming were inspirational. I'm so glad I was able to attend (and YES I voted for him on Dancing with the Stars!).

I hope each of you were able to attend an event in honor of all veterans in your local community. They may not ask for a "Thank You", but that simple statement can mean so very much.

Keep writing and praying.

Best Wishes to Jed and his friends in their new business venture. 

Follow the link to visit Cpl Jed's profile: Cpl. Jed