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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- It was a grand ceremony Thursday morning to show respect for veterans and those currently serving in the military. Rieger Armory in Kirksville hosted the annual Veterans’ Day Ceremony. Dozens of veterans and their families came out at 11 a.m. for the ceremony.

Army Engineer Veteran and Director of Public Works John Buckwalter was master of ceremonies.

Buckwalter told us that he’s excited about how much the Veterans Day celebration has grown in the area.

“I did the Veterans’ Day speech here I think in 1996.  We had a much smaller crowd and it was essentially the only game in town.  Today, in this community there are activities in the schools, at LaPlata, throughout the Kirksville Community recognizing veterans.  I think that is phenomenal,” said Buckwalter.

He told KTVO that not only was this a time to think of veterans, but also a time to remember those serving in places we sometimes forget about.

“We still have troops in Bosnia.  We have troops in the Philippines, Korea, numerous places where they’re still in harms way.  We need to recognize those veterans,” said Buckwalter.

He told us that he can remember when the event was much smaller, but is happy to see today’s turnout.

“We had an excellent crowd.  Especially pleased that the cadets from the R.O.T.C. detachment were able to come here and join us,” said Buckwalter.

Truman’s R.O.T.C. members were on hand to present the colors and greet everyone as they entered the Armory.

Thursday’s guest speaker was retired U-S Air Force Colonel Roger Rosenberg who currently lives in Kirksville.