The sacrifices and service of veterans will be honored this week, culminating on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, almost 100 years since the end of World War I.
"It's a day to honor and remember our nation's veterans, particularly those who have paid the ultimate price for serving our country," Charles Machon, Museum of Missouri Military History director, said. "With me being blind in one eye, I can't serve, but by being the director of this museum, I feel I am doing something to preserve and honor their memory."
On the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month of 1918, the Armistice with Germany took effect, ending WWI. The day was referred to as Armistice Day until being renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
"They fired their guns right up to the last minute, there were several men who died right in the last minute of the war," said Doug Sheley, assistant director at the Missouri Military Museum. "Not everybody's able to serve, but working with veterans here you get to see that these guys really do deserve the pat on the back that they get, even though they deserve so much more."
Sheley and Machon agreed working at the museum gives them the satisfaction of being a part of the history of Missouri veterans in U.S. conflicts.
In the near future, they have plans to update the museum's displays with new artifacts such as an autographed photo of World War I Gen. Leonard Wood, which came from a VFW post in Kansas City; completing a video documentary portraying the day-to-day life of a World War I veteran; and photos of other war veterans who have connections to Missouri.
"It's an honor to do our jobs," Sheley said.
The following are some of the Veterans Day observances that will occur this week:
Thursday
8:15 a.m. - Lincoln University is honoring Civil War veterans on the Soldiers' Memorial Plaza. The day will begin with a wreath laying ceremony followed by ROTC Cadets, who will read names from the 62nd and 65th Colored Infantries rosters.
Friday
8:30 a.m. - Annual St. Peter's Veterans Day Service and Memorial Mass. Msgr. Donald Lammers, retired priest in residence at the St. Joseph Cathedral, will celebrate the Mass. The combined choirs from St. Peter Church and St. Joseph Cathedral, directed by Amy Pringer, will provide music. A three-volley rifle salute will be fired by the Marine Corps League's Samuel F. Gearheart Detachment.
9:30 a.m. - Veterans Tribute ceremony at Freedom Corner, where East High and East McCarty merge.
11 a.m. - The Jefferson City Veterans Council's annual Veterans Day services in the Capitol Rotunda.
1:30 p.m. - Corsage-pinning for veterans at Heisinger Bluffs Senior Living Community.