St. Louis man will speak at Veterans Day Ceremony

SIKESTON -- The City of Sikeston will observe Veterans Day with a ceremony at the Sikeston Field House beginning at 9:45 a.m. Nov. 9.

Performing will be the high school band, choir and orchestra, along with local veterans from the American Legion and VFW participating in the service. Members of the local National Guard Unit will post the colors and perform a 21-

gun salute.

Honored guest and speaker will be the past National Commander of the American Legion, Joe Frank of St. Louis. Frank is a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War and while on a combat operation in 1968, he was involved in a landmine explosion. Since that incident, he has been confined to a wheelchair. However, he has not indulged in self-pity and leads a very productive life.

Frank was the first Vietnam veteran to be elected commander of the Missouri American Legion. He was elected National Commander of the Legion in 1966 at their convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.

During his tenure as national commander he was a forceful advocate for over 3 million American veterans still serving the nation through the American Legion. He has frequently testified before both Houses of the U.S. Congress on issues affecting veterans.

Frank still remains active in Veteran Affairs and was appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt to the Missouri Veterans Commission where he serves as vice-chairman.

He was instrumental in having Highway 270 named the American Veterans Highway in St. Louis. He also serves on a commission in charge of renovating buildings on the grounds of Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis.

Following the ceremony, lunch will be provided for veterans and their families by the Ladies Auxiliary at the American Legion Post located on South Kingshighway.