Annual ceremony honors veterans

A U.S. Army veteran makes his way toward a seat for the annual Sikeston Veterans Day Ceremony held Tuesday morning at the Sikeston High School Field House. (Photo by Scott Welton, Staff)

scottw@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- Veterans Day is a celebration of those who have fought for freedom.

"Make no mistake about it: our freedom was not earned by a committee of well-versed politicians," said Capt. Sam Burke of the U.S. Marine Corps, guest speaker for the annual Sikeston Veterans Day Ceremony held Tuesday morning at the Sikeston Senior High School Field House.

"It was not earned by a coalition of nations that thought the idea of America would be good for mankind. And it was most definitely not give by the good nature of a foreign entity," Burke said. "Our freedom was forged in the crucible of war. It was fought for and is maintained today by each and every veteran who has ever served."

The ceremony opened with the presentation and posting of colors by the Sikeston National Guard unit after which the Sikeston High School band, choir and orchestra played the national anthem directed by a guest conductor, U.S. Army veteran Ed Cowan.

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