SEDALIA (Tony Gallagher, 40 & 8 Commander) -  Veteran's Day 2013!  What a great day from start to finish!  The S-C JROTC served a delicious breakfast to all veterans and their families at the high school.  This was followed by a great program in the gymnasium with honors paid to all the veterans.  I very much appreciated being asked to be the main speaker and was humbled.

Approximately 150 people then gathered in front of the Pettis County Court House for the 11th Hour Remembrance Service. I believe we were all inspired by the messages from Charlie Guthrie and Greg Davis.  About 140 then headed up the street to the VFW Hall where the Ladies Auxiliary had prepared chili and soup, compliments of the 40/8.

At 2:30 p.m. units began to line up for the parade.  Suddenly strong winds came up and the temperature began to drop.  However, this did NOT deter any of the 160 units!  At 3:30 the parade began.  I did not expect to see many people along the route with the change in the weather.  What a fine surprise it was to see the streets lined with people from start to finish!  The official estimate was well over a thousand!

A very special thanks to the 40/8 members who helped me line things up, the JROTC that were available at every turn, the units from Whiteman, Goody's Restaurant, Faith Baptist, East Sedalia Baptist, St. Paul's Lutheran School, the Trails End group with their horses and mules, many local businesses and organizations, the color guards from Legion Post 642 and VFW 2591, Legion Post 520 (La Monte); D.A.R., National Guard units, the cadre from JROTC.and so MANY, MANY others along with the Sedalia Police Department, the Pettis County Sheriff's Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.  All great and much appreciated.

Last but not least, the cooperation and participation of the media.   Thank you all for helping to get the word out and make it a great day.  So many have told me that they were grateful to be reminded of the things we veterans fought for and that it made a huge impression.

This statement was provided by Tony Gallagher, 40 & 8 Commander.

More From KIX 105.7