Inspirational opening ceremony kicks off Veterans Homecoming Week
Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week officially opened with a ceremony on Thursday, November 5, hosted by the Branson Police Department. Following welcome remarks by Police Chief Eric Schmitt, the colors were posted by the Branson Veterans of America 913 Honor Guard.
College of the Ozarks Senior Gabrielle Adair gave the invocation; C of O Senior Will DeOliveira led the Pledge of Allegiance; and veteran Derek Bertram sang the National Anthem. Branson vocalists C.J. Newsom, Kathy Pearman and the group Six, provided special patriotic music.
ROW 1: Bob Sarver, Capt. Maria Lohmeyer, Chief Schmitt. ROW 2: Commemorative wreath; crowd looking at the wall; Mayor Larry Milton. ROW 3: SIX; Veteran and vocalist Derek Bertram; Vocalist CJ Newsom. (Photos by Cynthia J. Thomas)
Bob Sarver of BVA 913 served as emcee for the gathering, which featured several inspirational patriotic elements including the reading of a proclamation by Mayor Larry Milton designating Branson as America’s Most Patriotic City. In his remarks, Mayor Milton reminded those present that “one day is not enough” for honoring veterans. Sarver underscored that statement with the reading of some sobering facts about the Vietnam War, calling attention to the numbers killed in action, including many still in their teens and several sets of brothers or father/son duos. “These are not just numbers,” Sarver said. “They represent real faces, real pain.”
Having the ceremony at the police department gave opportunity for some perspective by Chief Schmitt, as he shared the appreciation he and other law enforcement officers hold for veterans who serve in various locations around the world.
“The very freedoms we hold dear in the United States can make it hard to enforce the law when dealing with terrorists, thugs who don’t understand anything except violence,” he said. “We need both a strong military and strong law enforcement, and our military working to ‘contain the threat’ in some of these locations helps make law enforcement possible at home.”
Another highlight of the ceremony was the reading of a poem, “Vietnam 10 14 58,” by author Andrea Brett of Branson. The poem, inspired by Brett’s memories of a POW Army Colonel from her hometown, acknowledges the unseen battles of many soldiers but reminds hearers that even the worst battles are not unseen by God.
The poem was a fitting introduction for the keynote address by Navy Captain Maria Lohmeyer, who now serves as an Assistant Vice President at the College of the Ozarks. After expressing her thanks for the supportive community and the great relationships between C of O and local veterans’ groups, Captain Lohmeyer pointed out the importance of “Welcome Home,” acknowledging that every person’s service matters. She then focused on a “cord of courage” made up of faith, service and hope, referencing Psalm 15 and 1 Peter 5 and encouraging attendees to “stand firm.”
Lohmeyer’s personal story includes encouragement received from a high school principal after a life-threatening illness delayed her college and other plans. That principal asked her if she trusted God, and her shaky “yes” became the foundation for peace and confidence to work through her journey of grief and despair. “The story of America for 250 years has been perseverance,” Lohmeyer said, pointing out that history can give perspective during difficult times and that we must share stories with younger generations because “they desperately need us.”
Following Captain Lohmeyer’s address, she was presented a Challenge Coin by BVA 913 President Steve Campbell. BVA 913 members then conducted a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by a rifle volley by the Honor Guard and Taps played by Sgt. Major Bob Smither, U.S. Army (Ret.). The opening ceremony then concluded with “God Bless the USA” sung by Bertram, closing remarks by Sarver and retiring of the colors by the Honor Guard.
Prior to giving the benediction, College of the Ozarks senior Joanna Cooke summed up the feelings of many in attendance as she told the veterans, “Please keep sharing your stories. It does make a difference.”
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