A missing man formation flyover and a ringing of the tolling bell were just part of a program last Friday, April 28, to honor Veterans of World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan in Mexico.

A ceremony to honor those who fought and died at the Battle of Exercise Tiger on April 28, 1944, was held on the lawn of the Audrain County Courthouse where a memorial to the battle sits along with a 5,000-pound anchor from one of the ships involved.

All three of Audrain County’s commissioners along with other county and Mexico city officials were on hand for the program. Presiding Commissioner Alan Winders was the first to speak.

“It is always truly humbling to be here,” Winders said. “We appreciate the opportunity to honor those of you who served in our armed forces and those who served in Exercise Tiger.”

Eastern District Commissioner Leslie Meyer spoke about some current Veterans who work for the county and honored them with some short stories like Audrain County Deputy Sheriff Jeris Holt, county human resources and risk management director Derek Bunch and courthouse security guard Harold Linneman.

Meyer said despite a lengthy service resume, Holt isn’t one to brag about his service.

“While those around him are amazed by his bravery, Deputy Holt stays quiet, smiling sheepishly at the praise regarding his service,” Meyer said.

Meyer noted that Bunch was not at the ceremony because he was at his National Guard training.

“Even with a family and a full-time position Derek chooses to dedicate himself and part of his life to continuing his service,” Meyer said.

Meyer said Linneman is a shining example of what it means to be dedicated to service.

“When our courthouse security guard Harold Linneman was sent to serve in Beruit he had no idea what to expect for what awaited him,” Meyer said. “But he was ready to serve as his father, grandfather, and great grandfather had served their country before

Meyer told a story about a World War II Veteran she met at the Missouri Veterans’ Home that became a friend. The soldier was not old enough to join the Army at the breakout of the war but found a way to serve his country.

“It was so important to serve his country and fight for what he believed was right that he made himself a year older to serve in World War II,” Meyer said. “So many of our Veterans either marched, charged, road or flew into unknown danger seen or unseen and they did it for our country and to defend our freedom and protect our nation.

Finally, Meyer told a personal story about her father, U.S. Navy veteran John Barton. As a child, Meyer would curl up in her father’s scratchy wool blanket while watching Saturday morning cartoons. Her father’s Navy decorations on the family’s mantel always reminded her of what her father meant to the nation.

“For years his official Navy picture along with his bars sat on the mantel of our farmhouse,” Meyer said. “I can’t tell you what those bars meant but in my eyes, they were one of a true American hero.”

Exercise Tiger was a secret operation that was meant to prepare for the famous D-Day invasion at Normandy Beach. The secret operation was discovered by German U-boats and a battle ensued. Two of the Navy’s ships were sunk and 749 soldiers and sailors died including 201 from the state of Missouri and eight from Audrain County who are listed on the memorial. The names include Thomas Creed Jr., Garland Donaldson, Ralph T Earnest, D. Dean Ferguson, Harry Mettler, Lowell Renner, Wallace W. Smith, and James Spurling.

U.S. Tiger Foundation Executive Director Susan Haines said it’s important to carry on the legacy of those who died.

“Some were sons, some were fathers,” U.S. Tiger Foundation Executive Director Susan Haines said. “Some were sons of Audrain County like Lowell Renner. He and the rest never had a chance to raise a family but his legacy lives on today here with all of you.”

The day was not just about the Tiger Exercise but also honoring those who fought in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Wreaths were laid at the memorial and those in attendance were given flowers to lay on the memorial.

The ceremony ended with a flyover of three planes in a “missing man” formation and the ringing of the tolling bell. There was a rifle honor by American Legion Post 510 under the direction of Dan Carson and after the bell was rung taps were played.