JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- It's a traditional gathering amid the markers for fallen warriors of previous centuries. They temper the pride felt by people like Francis Butel, whose sons now serve in the gulf.
"I pray for my boys and the other members of the armed forces every day,” Butel said.
The Jefferson City Veteran’s Council coordinated the Memorial Day ceremony at the National Cemetery in Jefferson City.
There was little new in the message to honor their service at the ceremony. But it can be found in unfamiliar places, such as the interior verses of "America, the Beautiful."
'Oh beautiful for heroes proved, in liberating strife.
Who've more than self, their country loved, and mercy more than life”
In the keynote remarks, Jefferson City’s newest city councilman spoke of his service in the army special forces in the late 60's.
“Little did I know, and I'm sure my mother had no idea, that I would be jumping out of perfectly good airplanes,” Special Forces Veteran Dave Griffith said.
Part of the fifth generation in his family to wear the uniform, Griffith said he owes a lot to his military service.
"What the service did for me, and I'm sure did for countless thousands of men and women, was it gave me the direction in my life that I needed,” Griffith said.
They read the names of dozens who have fallen in combat, including one within the month, PFC Jason Fingar.
They fired the volley.
And they blew Taps.
And said goodbye once again.
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