On Saturday, Dec. 12, I had the honor of being at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield for the Wreaths Across America program. It was a very emotional tribute to our veterans. Immediately following the ceremony, many family members of the soldiers buried here, along with friends, students and citizens, placed hundreds of wreaths on the graves of our heroes. Thank you to the many groups and individuals for raising the money to purchase the wreaths. I want to especially recognize Mindy Thurmon’s 6th grade class from T.S. Hill Middle School in Dexter for their participation in raising money as a class project and for attending. Thanks to the military members who presented the official wreaths in honor of each military branch, and the special wreath for the over 90,000 soldiers missing in action.

Special tributes were paid by the Patriot Honor Guard, Stoddard County Honor Guard, employees of the cemetery and the many volunteers it took to make this day very special. Thanks so much to Buchheit Trucking Company for making sure the wreaths were delivered in excellent condition at no cost. Thank God for all the soldiers who were willing to lay down their lives, for those who have suffered many injuries and those who will suffer in the future, and for our country and the very freedoms and blessings we enjoy each and every day. Please keep all of our soldiers in your thoughts and prayers as they serve in harm’s way - at this very minute - around the world. God Bless the United States of America!

Senator Libla is shown visiting with Mike Mowrer, Kennett, at the Missouri State Veteran Cemetery in Bloomfield. Mike is a member of the Missouri Veterans Commission.