Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Caruthersville, Missouri - Missouri State Representative Terry Swinger recently attended a special ceremony on December 13, 2012 at the General John Riggs Veterans Park in Caruthersville Missouri, the Wreaths Across America.

Swinger stated, “It was truly a moving sight to watch the Patriot Guard Riders lead the trucks carrying the wreaths.”  It was escorted by the Caruthersville fire truck.  As they passed the high school, the students came outside to pay their respect and to view the procession.  The procession ended at the park. American Legion Post 88 posted the flags and Commander Frank Morgan gave a welcoming speech. The Pledge of Allegiance was read and followed by the Caruthersville High School band playing the national anthem. Representative Swinger was honored to speak and the Rev. Paul Curry said a prayer.  Taps was played and a wreath was placed at the Memorial. 

The mission of Wreaths Across American is Remember, Honor, and Teach.  It is a commitment to remember those veterans who are deceased, honor those who serve and teach our future generation the importance of our veterans.  

Wreaths Across American began in 1992 when the owner of a wreath company found himself with an overabundance of wreaths at the end of the holiday season.  He decided to honor our country’s veterans and made arrangements to place the wreaths on graves in an older section of Arlington National Cemetery.    Today over 400,000 wreaths are placed nationwide in over 800 locations.  

“We are fortunate to have organizations such as the American Legion and the VFW for our military and Veterans but also for our communities,” commented Swinger.  Each year the American Legion Post 88 in Caruthersville recognizes local public safety officials from law enforcement and volunteer firefighters in Pemiscot County who have gone above and beyond their duties. 

On December 13, Law enforcement officials were honored.  They are Daniel Adams, Hayti Police Department, John Trimm, Steele Police Department and Dan Kinder, Caruthersville Police Department.  Volunteer Firemen honored were Neeley Mitchel Jr, Hayti Department, Ron Warren, Caruthersville Fire Department, Jimmy Barron Wardell Fire Department, TJ Roberson, Cooter Fire Department, and Scott Spence, Steele Fire Department. The American Legion Post 88 also recognized several of their members who were World War II Veterans for their consecutive membership in the American Legion Post 88.  Those honored were Ancil Robertson for 68 years, George Cook for 66 years, Robert O Pierce for 60 years and Calvin House for 60 years.

The VFW addressed the General Assembly many times the past couple of years to request new funding for veterans services.  The Missouri veteran’s funds were in danger of depletion by 2013 if nothing was done.   Swinger said, “My main goal as well as many of my colleagues this past Session was to help find a dedicated funding source. I am happy to say that it was accomplished.”

Swinger went on to say that it is a gratifying feeling to be a part of a solution for a worthy cause.  “I have experienced this many times in the serving in the House of Representatives.   It has been a privilege to serve District 162 and the great state of Missouri these past 9 years and I thank you for that honor.”