Winter weather did not stop Jefferson City residents from recognizing military veterans for their service on Veterans Day.
The East Side Business Association normally would hold its Veterans Tribute at Freedom Corner at the intersection of East McCarty and High streets, but Monday's weather moved it indoors to the McClung Park Pavilion.
Featured speaker Jim Schulte, a 41-year veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard who completed two combat tours in Afghanistan, told those at the ceremony: "There is no war that will end all wars."
"Being in the military is like being in the ultimate team event," Schulte said. "We take ordinary people, and we place them in extraordinary positions. It's been my privilege to serve with many people we call heroes, but all of them will quickly point out it's the entire team that made them successful, not one lone individual. Our military's success is the result of every single member's attention to detail."
Seven percent of people in the United States are veterans, and many have served in combat, Schulte said.
"That number alone puts our veterans in a very elite club," Schulte said. "Seven percent made all the difference in the history of this country. The next time you ask someone what they did in the service and they reply, 'I didn't do much,' don't accept it - because they were part of the greatest military force in the world, and every single part is vital to the success of the team."
Curtis Rockers, a senior at Helias Catholic High School, is a future soldier, having already completed his basic training for the Missouri Army National Guard.
"I joined to stand as a defense and protect our great nation," Rockers told those at Monday's ceremony. "I serve to protect the land of the free and be part of the brave who serve for a million different reasons."
The event also featured students from Lewis and Clark Middle School reading the poem "I Am Your Flag," which talks about the history of the American flag and the need for citizens to remember the ideals of the country for which it stands.
Students from East Elementary School read letters thanking veterans for their service, and students from Immaculate Conception Catholic School spoke of recognizing Gold Star Families who have an immediate family member who died while serving in a time of conflict.
The Jefferson City Veterans Council's annual program was at the Roscoe Enloe American Legion Post 5, as its usual location, the Missouri state Capitol, is under construction.
Featured speaker David Hunter, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was wounded multiple times and received the Purple Heart three times, remembered how he felt after coming home from combat in Vietnam.
"I did what I felt was my job, and I don't look at myself as a hero," Hunter said. "When I returned to the United States, I wasn't very proud of my country. Vietnam veterans were looked down upon. I had things thrown at me, and people spat on the ground as I walked by."
Hunter said it wasn't until the 1980s, when the country went to an all-volunteer military force, that he saw changes in attitudes about the military. However, Hunter believes the events of Sept. 11, 2001, were what really made an impact on the relationship between civilians and the military.
"That woke a sleeping giant," Hunter said. "Politically, the country did a complete turn. Military people started to be appreciated for what they did. Citizens realized it was because of what the military was doing that they were able to enjoy the lives they had."
Hunter challenged those in the crowd to walk up to active military personnel, and those retired, and thank them for their service.
"Everyone here that served in the military knows what it's like to have someone walk up and thank you for your service," Hunter said. "To make sure this continues, we need to teach our children and grandchildren what veterans are about."