Parade of Heroes honors veterans

Area veterans were honored and remembered Wednesday for the sacrifices they have made or are currently making to ensure freedom for all U.S. citizens through multiple activities in Sedalia during Veterans Day.
More than 150 veterans began their morning with a breakfast sponsored by the Smith-Cotton JROTC at Smith-Cotton High School.

Veterans proudly marched into the gymnasium two-by-two to be honored for their service.
Steve Schilb, history teacher at Smith-Cotton, said the event was the school’s first ever all-school Veterans Day celebration.

“We come here on this day to pay tribute to these veterans who have served so that we might enjoy the freedom of this place,” Schilb said.

Some veterans were overwhelmed with emotion as the Smith-Cotton A Capella Choir, Mixed Chorus and Men’s Choir performed patriotic numbers.

District Superintendent Dr. Harriet Wolfe addressed the students and veterans during the ceremony.

“It is a special honor to be in the company of the men and women whose bravery and selflessness has given us the gift of freedom,” Wolfe said. “This is your day, sit back and enjoy it.”

JROTC Cadet Maj. Brittany Hathaway is a senior at Smith-Cotton High School.  She has participated in the program for four years and is credited for initiating the ceremony at the school.

Hathaway said each year, the JROTC travels to programs at other schools or organizations in Pettis County and she thought it would be nice to have something in Sedalia.

“I’m excited to see everybody out here. I’m glad I can do that for them,” Brittany said.

Both her father and step-father served in the military and the ceremony was emotional for her.

“We owe them a huge respect,” Brittany said.

Following the school’s ceremony, veterans attended an event held at the Pettis County Courthouse.

Mayor Elaine Horn proclaimed that the City of Sedalia will recognize the week of Nov. 8 through Nov. 14, 2009, as Veterans Week in Sedalia with a theme of honoring all who served.

“When we celebrate as a community, we thank our veterans for this freedom,” Horn said.

Carl and Crystal Mittelhauser, of Sedalia, attended events throughout the day.

Carl served in the Army from 1966 to 1968.

“I thought it was spectacular. I though it was very touching and beautifully done,” Carl said.

He said both programs showed a lot of dignity and he was proud to be a part of it.

Carl served in Vietnam and the transition home was a hard one for himself and his wife.

“We’re part of a generation that had to take their uniforms off when we came home,” Carl said.

“It was emotional for me to see them being represented,” Crystal said.

Staff Sgt. Patrick Cone with the U.S. Air Force, is currently a recruiter in Sedalia.

“This is the first time I’ve seen something like this in Sedalia,” Cone said. “It’s been a long time coming.”

Tony Gallagher, commander of Voiture 333, 40 & 8, spoke at both ceremonies and helped organize the Parade of Heroes.

“This is a first for Sedalia and I pray to God it grows every year,” Gallagher said.

Lt. Colonel Harry Cunningham was a guest speaker at the courthouse. Cunningham said Americans can thank their veterans just by living their lives.

“Be good Americans, then all veterans will know that their sacrifices were not in vain,” Cunningham said.

He told the veterans that they are ordinary people who have done extraordinary things.

The Parade of Heroes took place later in the afternoon and featured more than 40 vehicles, organizations and groups in the community. The Smith-Cotton Tiger Pride Marching Band provided music during the parade through downtown Sedalia as veterans waved from vehicles to those standing on the side of the roads.

Mike Bronson, of Smithton, waved as parade participants passed by.

“This is the first one I’ve seen in a long time,” Bronson said. “I think it’s neat and it’s community supported.”

Gallagher was the last to make his way through the route and thanked everyone who attended.

“This will be a day that Sedalia will remember for a long time,” Gallagher said.