BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Since the birth of our Nation, American patriots have stepped forward to serve our country and defend our way of life. With honor and distinction, generations of servicemen and women have taken up arms to win our independence, preserve our Union, and secure our freedom. From the Minutemen to our Post-9/11 Generation, these heroes have put their lives on the line so that we might live in a world that is safer, freer, and more just, and we owe them a profound debt of gratitude. On Veterans Day, we salute the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have rendered the highest service any American can offer, and we rededicate ourselves to fulfilling our commitment to all those who serve in our name.
Today, we are reminded of our solemn obligation: to serve our veterans as well as they have served us. As we continue our responsible drawdown from the war in Afghanistan and more members of our military return to civilian life, we must support their transition and make sure they have access to the resources and benefits they have earned. My Administration is working to end the tragedy of homelessness among our veterans, and we are committed to providing them with quality health care, access to education, and the tools they need to find a rewarding career. As a Nation, we must ensure that every veteran has the chance to share in the opportunity he or she has helped to defend. Those who have served in our Armed Forces have the experience, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve success as members of our civilian workforce, and it is critical that we harness their talent.
Across our country, veterans who fought to protect our democracy around the globe are strengthening it here at home. Once leaders in the Armed Forces, they are now pioneers of industry and pillars of their communities. Their character reflects our enduring American spirit, and in their example, we find inspiration and strength.
This day, and every day, we pay tribute to America's sons and daughters who have answered our country's call. We recognize the sacrifice of those who have been part of the finest fighting force the world has ever known and the loved ones who stand beside them. We will never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and all those who have not yet returned home. As a grateful Nation, let us show our appreciation by honoring all our veterans and working to ensure the promise of America is within the reach of all who have protected it.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2014, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
BARACK OBAMA
Exceptions to this regulation change allow hunters to fill two firearm antlerless deer permits in Chariton, Randolph, Macon, Linn, Sullivan, and Adair counties, which surround the area where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been found in a small number of deer in Macon County. According to MDC, continuing to maintain stable deer numbers in this “CWD Containment Zone” will help limit the spread of the disease to other deer and other areas.
Other areas where hunters can fill two firearm antlerless deer permits include urban zones around the state where deer numbers are typically higher than desired, and in Barton, Howell, and Oregon counties where local deer numbers are higher than deer management goals.
The regulations changes were approved by the Conservation Commission at its April meeting and MDC initially communicated the information to the public at that time.
Details on these changes and other information on deer hunting are available in the Department's “2014 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet available at locations where permits are sold, MDC regional offices and nature centers, and online at mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/03/ftd2014.pdf.
According to MDC Deer Biologist Jason Sumners, the regulation changes are in response to lower overall deer numbers around much of the state as a result of long-term efforts to reduce the deer population through increased doe harvest. Previous regulations allowing the harvest of any number of antlerless deer have helped to decrease and stabilize deer numbers in many areas where deer numbers were too high.
Sumners added that the planned effort to reduce deer numbers in some areas was intensified by an unanticipated, extensive outbreak of hemorrhagic disease (HD) throughout most of the state related to the record-setting drought during summer and fall of 2012. With the resulting recent decrease in deer numbers in many areas of the state, some hunters and landowners have voiced their concerns about the level of doe harvest and the continuing need to offer hunters “any number” of antlerless permits.
“Our Regulations Committee considers the changing status of the deer herd across the state -- along with feedback from hunters, landowners, and others -- each year as it reviews recommendations for deer-hunting regulations,” Sumners said.
“Deer populations in Missouri vary regionally and county-by-county as habitat, hunting regulations, hunter numbers, and frequency and severity of disease outbreaks affect deer numbers,” he explained. “As these factors change over time, our deer management strategy is to be responsive to those changes.”
He added that MDC’s deer management strategy focuses on using science-based wildlife management practices, providing opportunities for all citizens to enjoy deer-related recreational activities such as deer hunting and watching, maintaining a healthy deer population, and providing related information to the public.
This year's keynote speaker will be Alan Hedrick, local businessman owner and veteran who served as a member of the Missouri Army National Guard in Kuwait during the Gulf War.
Russell Alan Hedrick was born in October of 1963 and raised in a small farming community of Parma, Missouri. In 1970, his family moved our community and he attended Dexter Public Schools. He was multi-sport athlete, a slightly above average student and a graduate of Dexter High School in 1982.
Alan was a gypsy during his college days. As a scholarship athlete at Pittsburg State University, Alan pursued his sports passion as a tight end on the PSU Gorilla’s Football team. After one fall season, he transferred to the University of Missouri-Columbia to walk-on the Missouri Tigers Football program. An injury in the summer of 1984 sidelined Hedrick, who then transferred to Missouri State University to complete his BS degree in Agriculture Business.
With a dedication to civic involvement, Alan made a career decision to join the County Wide Insurance Agency team as a sales producer in December of 1989. He achieved notable success as a sales producer for the agency, in spite of a five-month absence from County Wide in late 1991 when he served with the 1221st Transportation Unit of the Missouri Army National Guard in Kuwait during the Gulf War.
Hedrick has continued to serve others through his church, community and insurance affiliations. Alan’s virtues and commitments to work fall secondary to his dedication to his faith and his family. He has been married to his wife, Tracy Hedrick, for 26 years. They have two son’s, Zach Hedrick and Morgan Hedrick.
Also presenting during the observance will be Boy Scout Troop 200 who will serve as the Color Guard for the ceremony and Rev. Roy Sherfield will perform the invocation.
Alexis Smith, president of the Dexter High School student body will welcome the audience and will lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Dexter High School band under the direction of Scott Rybolt will provide the music.
Thomas Sharp, Dexter Public School Superintendent, will present a wreath to be placed at the Sisler-Eskew Memorial marker at Dexter City Hall.
The public is encouraged to attend the annual Veterans Day observance. The entire Dexter Public Schools student body from kindergarten through seniors will be in attendance. Please join them in honoring our veterans on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Bearcat Event Center. It's free and open to the public!
Photo taken at the Stoddard County Fair Parade 2014.
Bloomfield, Missouri – The Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri will host its annual Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11, 2014.
Keynote speaker for this year’s Veterans Day Program will be Lt. Col. Ed Gargas.
"Ed joined Bagby Wealth Management as a Sales Manager in 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University, as well as a Masters in Business Administration from William Woods University. In addition to his experiences in the banking and insurance industries, Ed has served as Project and Marketing Manager for KMC Construction/ServiceMaster and as Regional General Manager for NewWave Communications.
Ed is a commissioned officer in the Missouri National Guard and currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel. He is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and has received four Army commendation medals and many other awards for his performance and service. Ed’s assignments in the military have included: battalion operations officer, battalion executive officer, division engineer, and company commander.
Ed is a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter, as well as various other community and civic organizations including the Kiwanis Club, the Dexter Economic Development Board, the American Legion, and the Dexter Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife Tina have one son, Nate."
Please honor our veterans at 1:00 p.m. at the Committal Shelter Plaza in the Veterans Cemetery.
The general public is invited and encouraged to attend to honor those who served in our military.
For more information contact the cemetery at 573-568-3871.
Whether you host a blood drive or give blood, you'll be giving a gift that can help save a life. When you do, you'll discover the true meaning of giving – and it won't cost a thing!
You can help encourage others to get in the giving spirit, too. Just share this video on social media along with #GiveWithMeaning.
The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood to help ensure sufficient blood supplies are available for patients this holiday season.
Blood donations often decline during the holidays when donors get busy with travel and family gatherings, but the need for blood remains steady. Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.
Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As extra encouragement to donate blood during the busiest time of November for many people, presenting blood donors from Nov. 26 through Nov. 30 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross potholder stuffed with unique celebrity chef recipes, while supplies last. Thanksgiving recipes are courtesy of Mario Batali, Rocco DiSpirito, Alex Guarnaschelli and Mike Isabella.
For more information visit redcrossblood.org or call us at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).We appreciate your support, and look forward to seeing you this holiday season!
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Puxico - Hosted by Puxico High School
11/17/2014: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.,
Puxico High School, 481 North Bedford
Dexter, Missouri - Hosted by the Dexter Rotary Club
11/25/2014: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.,
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 102 East Castor
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
Photo of Riley Jo Rickman by
Elaine Rohde Photography
