Honor Our Veterans Every Day!

NEWS RELEASE    ---     From the Office of Representative Shelley Keeney - 156^th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	CONTACT:    Rep. Shelley Keeney
November 3, 2011	(573) 751-5912

Honor Our Veterans Every Day!

A Short History of Veteran's Day -- World War I, also known as the "Great War" was officially concluded on the 11th hour of the 11th Day of November, at 11 a.m. in 1918.  On November 11th of the following year, President Woodrow Wilson declared that day as "Armistice Day" in honor of the peace.  On November 11, 1921, there was a dedication ceremony of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery (Virginia).  Armistice Day was made official by an act of Congress in 1938.

Over the years, this observance has become known as Veteran’s Day.  Nov. 11 is our national holiday to honor all veterans of the United States Armed Forces.  Throughout the nation, Americans plan and coordinate special observances, participate in parades and ceremonies and continue to pay their respects to our service men and women, both past and present. 

I treasure our veterans for all that they have sacrificed and given for our nation; and believe all of us should pay our respects to the veterans we know and to thank those currently serving in the military forces. If you have a family member who served our country, talk to them to help you understand their role during that time.  Thank you to all of the veterans who live in the 156th district – I tip my hat and salute you.

Let’s also salute Branson as it may be America's  most veteran-friendly town and recognizes our veterans and active-duty armed forces year-round.  Veterans’ service, commitment and ultimate sacrifice is honored with special events, warm welcomes and VIP treatment.  Men and women veterans and active duty personnel from all branches and from all wars, conflicts and peacetime service are appreciated in the Branson/Lakes Area every day of the year.

In keeping with a long tradition of gratitude, many of the area shows recognize veterans, military personnel and their families through special patriotic musical numbers.  Frequently the entire audience gives a resounding round of applause to say “Welcome Home” and “Thank You.”  This commitment to honoring veterans can also be seen at area attractions, restaurants, museums and other businesses in a variety of ways.

I applaud them as they are working on collecting Veterans’ stories.  Many more are needed. The Branson Veterans History Project, in partnership with the Library of Congress American Folklore Center, is capturing for future generations the personal stories of veterans of all branches and eras.  This is also in conjunction with the College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO at their Lions Library, which is open to the public during normal hours.  There is no fee for capturing the history.  Veterans can receive a copy at a nominal price to cover administration fees.  Call 417-231-3866 for more information.

Throughout the year, Branson also hosts hundreds of military reunions. They have a list of reunion dates which can be found at (http://www.explorebranson.com/veterans/reunion-schedule.php)  The list reflects the unit, platoon, ship and group reunions planned in Branson that have been scheduled thus far.

Every year Branson has various events throughout the whole week of November 5 – 11 that honor and recognize veterans.  It could be a road trip that you would want to add to your 2012 calendar, if not this year.

I will be attending several events in the district celebrating our veterans over the next several days.  It's always an honor to look a service member in the eye, shake their hand and tell them thank you.  I hope you have an opportunity to do the same to these true heroes.....

Please let me know if you would like to receive my weekly updates via electronic E-Mail, by sending an email with your name to: Shelley.Keeney@house.mo.gov  You may also go to the House members’ website and sign up on my home page, as well as have access to other House information http://www.house.mo.gov/member.aspx?year=2011&district=156

As always, I appreciate hearing from you about your comments, opinions and concerns regarding legislative matters and state government.  Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-5912 or you may write me at: Shelley Keeney; Missouri House of Representatives; State Capitol -- Room 313; Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806 or email me.