COLUMBIA -- Veterans Day in Columbia included a parade along Eighth Street to the Boone County Courthouse. The parade included World War II vintage vehicles, the Boone County Fire Protection District Pipes and Drums Band, and members of the MU ROTC. 

Very few people lined the streets for the parade. Those that showed up said more people should take the time to remember.

“Over the years past, there’s probably been some type of noticeable separation from, maybe, the military community and the civilian community," United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Tucker said. "The military, over the last 5 or 10 years, really has done a good job in recognizing the connection between the two and trying to bring the two closer together.”

One way of getting closer was the signing of an army community covenant by state leaders and other dignitaries. The covenant shows support for all branches of the United States military. Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder was proud to put his signature on the document.

“It was a great thing to be here to sign the covenant on behalf of the people of the State of Missouri and to support all of our active duty and reserve military veterans,” Kinder said.

The Mizzou Men’s Choir sang the national anthem as those in attendance remembered those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“That’s the key. We need to remember," 9th District Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer said. "If we remember what took place, remember the sacrifices, remember why we did it, we can pass that on. I think the greatness of our country is the fact that our liberty is not free. We have to remember that. We have to be constantly vigilant. If we are, we’ll be successful in defending it from now on.”

The event ended with a 21-gun salute, the playing of taps and a POW/MIA flag folding ceremony to remember prisoners of war and those missing in action.