Veterans from across Mid-Missouri will be honored May 18th at the Wallace Building in Lebanon during a special Missouri Veterans Recognition War Medallion Ceremony hosted by Vet Talk and the AUSA Fort Leonard Wood Mid-Missouri Chapter.
The ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m. and will recognize 25 veterans and families of veterans spanning conflicts from World War I through Afghanistan.
Click Video Below to Watch Segment and Interview
During a recent episode of Vet Talk, AUSA Chapter President Freddie Brock spoke about the impact the program has had on local veterans and their families.
The Missouri War Medallion Program was first established in 1919 to recognize Spanish-American War and World War I veterans. Over the years, it expanded to include World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan veterans.
One of the most unique presentations during this ceremony will be a World War I medallion awarded to the family of Homer Basnett. His son, Vietnam veteran Marvin Basnett, will accept the medal on behalf of his father.
Brock shared several stories while discussing the program, including one veteran who enlisted at 16 years old after his mother signed for him to join the Army. His first duty station was Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He woke up on his 17th birthday, December 7th, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Organizers say the event is about more than medals.
“It’s legacy,” Brock said during the interview. “Years after we’re gone, our families can look back at these and tell our stories.”
Following the ceremony, a reception with light refreshments will allow veterans and families time to visit and reconnect. Organizers hope it creates opportunities for old friends and fellow service members to reconnect, sometimes for the first time in decades.
Sponsors for the event include White River Marine Group, G3 Boats, Holman-Howe Funeral Homes, RH Woodworks, Ozark Fiber, Legacy Lux Studio, Boat Town Brewing, Ralph Pitts with Shelter Insurance, Veterans United, and Phoenix Home Care and Hospice.
Lebanon Now will also be on-site capturing stories and highlights from the event to share with the community.
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