Residents of the Missouri Veterans’ Home were treated to a program on Memorial Day that featured a guest speaker with a Veteran’s story, the playing of Taps, and a 21-gun salute.

Director of Nursing at the home Patrick Stevenson opened the program with a short speech about the importance of the holiday and a personal story about growing up in Wellsville where his father would proudly display the poppy flowers in his review mirror that he had just picked up at the VFW hall in town.

“Although many people in the country today are thinking this is the launch or start of summer,” Stevenson said. “The kids are out of school and there are folks on beaches, in boats, and at campsites but I hope they take a moment just like we are here today to reflect on those who have gone before us and we honor those folks.”

All four branches of the military were represented during the posting of colors by VFW #6276 and American Legion #113. The invocation was given by Pastor David Dingler and the Pledge of Allegiance was given by Lt. Colonel Ernest Allen, retired U.S. Army and Missouri Veterans’ Home Assistance League board president. Allen also performed the wreath laying that was provided by VFW #3772. The 21-gun salute was performed by VFW #6276 and American Legion #113.

The guest speaker was Lt. Colonel Jim Medley, retired U.S. Air Force and the former commandment of cadets and executive officer at the Missouri Military Academy where he spent 19 years.

Medley said the day was an opportunity to reflect and pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes. He said Americans are bound by a shared sense of duty and the appreciation of sacrifices that were made. Medley said it’s a solemn occasion but also a moment to show immense gratitude as we enjoy their sacrifices. Medley said we should live our lives to uphold the values these soldiers fought for.

“These individuals willingly stepped forward putting their lives on the line knowing the risks and dangers that lay ahead,” Medley said. “We owe it to these fallen heroes to remember their stories.”

Medley told the story of Private Billie Gene Kanell who fought in the Korean War and saved two of his comrades by throwing himself on a grenade to protect them. When a second grenade was thrown, Kanell also found a way to throw himself on that grenade as well.

“It’s our responsibility as Veterans and citizens to carry his and the over one million heroes torch forward to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain,” Medley said.

Medley said Memorial Day is also a day to pay tribute to the family and friends of those who have sacrificed because those folks made sacrifices too.

“Behind every name on every memorial and every gravestone in our national cemeteries there are grieving parents, spouses, children, and friends,” Medley said. “Their lives have been forever changed. We must stand by them.”

Stevenson wrapped up the program by reiterating Medley's moving story about Private Kanell and the many stories like his.

“You hear about stories like this where you’ll take a bullet for your comrade and you think about the butterfly effect after that and all of the folks that survived because of his heroism,” Stevenson said. “Such a debt of gratitude.”