JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI -- The Missouri National Guard announces the number of Missouri Veterans recognized for their military service in World War II, Korea, and the Vietnam-era is quickly approaching the milestone of 100,000.
Few states recognize their veterans in the way that Missouri does, with ceremonies held throughout the state, said James Ortmeyer, director of the Missouri Veterans Recognition Program.
"The Veteran's recognition program is Missouri's way of saying 'Thank you' to the thousands of brave men and women who answered their nation's call," Ortmeyer said.
The Missouri Veterans Recognition Program began in April 1919 with an act of the Missouri General Assembly. The act authorized the Missouri adjutant general to present medals of appreciation to Missouri National Guard veterans who served with the regular armed forces in the Spanish-American War, Mexican border service, or World War I.
In 2000, the World War II Awards Program was established. The program goal is to recognize all Missouri veterans, regardless of branch of the military, who honorably served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946. The spouse or eldest living survivor of a deceased veteran is eligible to apply for the award. To date, approximately 46,000 World War II awards have been presented.
In addition to World War II, Missouri veterans who participated in the D-Day invasion of Europe between the dates of June 6 and August 31, 1944 are eligible to receive a replica of the 50th Anniversary Jubilee of Liberty Medal. The Jubilee of Liberty Medal was first awarded in June 1994 to American servicemen for their participation in the Battle of Normandy. Just over 5,000 of these medals have been awarded to Missouri veterans.
The program expanded in 2003 with the addition of the Korean War Veterans Award. Missouri veterans who served on active duty either in the United States or overseas from June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955, qualify for recognition. Approximately 17,250 Korean Awards have been presented.
In 2006, the Vietnam War Award was authorized by a house bill for Missouri veterans who served on active duty from February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975. Currently, approximately 28,000 Vietnam awards have been presented.
Although the number of recipients approaches 100,000, it is estimated that this represents approximately a quarter of the eligible Missouri veterans, living and deceased.
"We hope that Veterans and their family members look into this program so that we can give them the recognition they earned," said Ortmeyer.
Information on the veteran awards and how to apply can be found at:
http://www.moguard.com/veteran-awards.php?nav=5
For those who do not have access to internet use, information can be obtained by contacting:
Office of the Adjutant General
ATTN: Veterans Awards
P.O. Box 1808
2302 Militia Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Fax: (573) 638-9566
Phone: (573) 638-9561
toll Free: (866) 834-3431
For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.
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