Veterans honored at Cape Girardeau ceremony

The annual Veterans Day gathering at Capaha Park's Freedom Corner on Monday in Cape Girardeau featured words of appreciation for America's service members, while not denying their many challenges, both at home and in war.

"More than one a day. That's how many members of our active duty military, National Guard and Reserve forces have committed suicide over the last year," Dennis Woeltje, the event's featured speaker, told a crowd of about 75 people. Woeltje, a former Navy Seabee, is the vice commander of the state of Missouri for the American Legion and a member of Cape Girardeau's Post 63.

Woeltje encouraged acknowledgment and support of veterans' service and said anyone who notices a veteran showing signs of depression should get them to seek help.

Also given special gratitude were Vernon McGarity, a deceased Army veteran awarded the Medal of Honor for heroic acts in World War II, wounded Marines who visited victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and female service members -- who Woeltje said deserve the support of fellow veterans. The American Legion has recently stepped up its efforts to encourage the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to improve its response to the needs of women in the military, Woeltje said.

"There is just not enough we can do for our veterans," Woeltje said after his address.

Also during the ceremony, a commemorative wreath was laid on the monument by members of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Prayers were said and a local Marine Corps League provided a rifle salute and played taps.

eragan@semissourian.com

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