Gov. Matt Blunt honored area veterans, including SP5 Charles W. Allen, rural Daviess County, U.S. Army, and Sgt. Gary Ray Harmison of Jameson, U.S. Army, for their bravery, selfless service and dedication in serving our country during the Vietnam War in a ceremony held Monday, Nov. 12, at the Mayes Memorial Army National Guard armory in St. Joseph.
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The ceremonies recognized 158 Vietnam Veterans in Chillicothe, 52 Vietnam Veterans in Kansas City, 58 Vietnam Veterans in Springfield, and 42 Vietnam Veterans in St. Joseph with commemorative Vietnam Veterans Medallions, a program created when the governor signed legislation last year to honor and recognize Missourians who served our country during Vietnam. In addition, the governor honored two veterans of the Korean War.
“As we celebrate Veterans Day it is a great privilege and honor to recognize the sacrifices that all of our veterans have made in the name of service to our state and country,” Gov. Blunt said.
“All of our veterans deserve to be treated with dignity and respect for their sacrifices to defend our freedom. The way our Vietnam Veterans were treated was a national disgrace that we must ensure never happens again. The Vietnam War Medallion Program honors and provides a greater awareness of the sacrifices of the men and women who served during Vietnam.”
These veterans served on active duty during the period of Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975.
Gov. Blunt graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served more than five years active duty. He has witnessed firsthand the dedication and commitment that Missouri troops make everyday to protect and defend our freedom with visits to Iraq, Afghanistan and the Mexican Border.
Gov. Blunt is currently serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserves.
Applications and a complete list of requirements for the Vietnam War, Korean Conflict and WWII awards are available on the Missouri National Guard Web site www.moguard.com, by clicking on “Programs” and then “Veterans Awards,” by calling toll-free 1-866-834-3431, or by mail at: Office of the Adjutant General, Attn: Veterans Recognition Program, P.O. Box 1808, Jefferson City, MO 65102.