JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- Gov. Jay Nixon will display a memorial wreath in his Capitol office throughout December to honor the nation's military veterans.
The Wreaths Across America program will also put wreaths on military graves across the show-me state.
"They truly are a symbol of this time of year and the sacrifice made by those in our armed forces,” Nixon said.
Since 2009, 31 Missourians have lost their lives overseas.
The wreaths bear the American flag and the flags of the various military services. The Missouri wreath was presented by members of the patriot guard, the motorcycle riders who provide rolling honor guards and military funerals.
"We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we shall not forget you,” Wreaths Across America Joe Smith said. “We shall remember.”
In Jefferson City, Pete and Lorraine Adkins have raised money to take care of the 1,600 graves at the national cemetery on Miller Street on Saturday.
"On December 11th, we will form at Busch's Florist with trucks. And we will go to the cemetery at 7 in the morning and start placing the wreaths,” Wreaths for Heroes Pete Adkins said. “If anybody would like to come out help us place the wreaths on the graves at that time, we would love to have them.”
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