On June 14, you might notice an increase of our nation’s flags flown over homes and businesses that don’t always have the Stars and Stripes on display. While not a federal holiday, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 of each year. June 14 is also recognized as the birthday of the United States Army.

Flag Day, though not as recognizable as Memorial Day, is a day for reflecting on the patriotic history of our great nation. From the origins of the first flag, to the 1911 adoption of a mandatory observation of Flag Day by every Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks — who were instrumental in prompting President Woodrow Wilson to call for observance of June 14 as Flag Day across the country — a simple three-color cloth brings out the best of patriotic expression in each of us.

As a commissioner on the Missouri Veterans’ Commission, I remain dedicated to those who have served our country and state with their time and loyalty. It is important that we recognize the sacrifices that have been made by these men and women in the name of our freedom and liberty.

I am proud to serve the 21st Senatorial District, home of two of the 12 veterans’ facilities in Missouri: the Warrensburg Veterans’ Home and the Higginsville Veterans’ Cemetery. Until last year, funding for these facilities was questionable each year, dependent on the state’s budget. However, with last year’s passage of House Bill 1731, we now have a dedicated funding source for all seven of Missouri’s veterans’ homes and the five veterans’ cemeteries.

Missouri stands strong as a state for its veterans’, doing our best for those who sacrificed their time and families, and, more often than we’d like to say, even their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. I encourage you to take time on June 14 to recognize the occasion, to give a quick thank you, either to a veteran or just to recognize the patriotic rallying point of the red, white and blue symbol of our nation’s strength and greatness.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.