For the second year, Gov. Jay Nixon has honored some Missouri veterans for their military service - and for living with the injuries or disabilities those injuries caused.
Lawmakers authorized the "Silver Star" awards two years ago, with May 1 designated in the law as "Silver Star Families of America Day."
"Military service inherently carries with it a sense of duty and a sense of self-sacrifice," Nixon said. "The danger faced in the area of combat often means soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines ... carry home wounds or illnesses because of their service."
Monday morning, Nixon and Missouri Adjutant General Steve Danner presented "Silver Star" banners and certificates to five Jefferson City area veterans: Steven Amick, Tom Umstattd, Lt. Col. Mike Fayette and Maj. John Gillam.