Veterans Day Celebrations

Good morning friends of Mission Repair-

Join us in Kansas City as we honor those who served in defense of our country. KC was recently rated as one of the top locations in the nation to honor veterans. Commemorations, concerts, symposiums and more were planned throughout this special weekend. Did you watch any football this weekend? You might have seen the orchestrated “Thank you Veteran’s” signs in the stands only viewable from the air. There were also lots of other tidbits including camouflaged ribbon footballs, goal post wraps, and equipment that every teams is using. In my opinion the NFL has always done a great job honoring the nation’s Vets.

Here in Kansas City today, at the Liberty Memorial you can see a Color Guard Parade – This spectacular representation of Kansas color guards groups will be held just before the morning ceremony. It features a wide array of veterans group from history re-enactors to Patriot Guard Riders. Followed by an assembly and Overture by the American Legion Band Conducted by Heather Picket, the American Legion Band will fill the stage of J.C. Nichols Auditorium, performing music before and during the morning Veterans Day Ceremony including the Armed Services Medley honoring those who served in all branches of the armed services. They are capping off the festivities with Veterans Day Formal Morning Program – This year, Dr. Matthew Naylor, President and CEO of the National WWI Museum, will be Master of Ceremonies as the program highlights remarks by Kansas City Mayor Sly James, Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver, author Richard Rubin and more. Ron Guttierrez, Iraq War Veteran, will sing the National Anthem.

I even got up early (I’m talking “crack of dawn early”) to fire up our 1968 Deuce and a Half and deliver it to a Desoto School District Elementary School as a display to honor Veteran’s and help educate students on the importance of the day. Check out a video of our Deuce that I made last month here.

I have a close connection to this Day, November 11th – Veteran’s Day – as it was just a couple of years ago that my father, Gary A. Arter a Vietnam Veteran passed away on November 14th. I can clearly remember speaking to him on Veteran’s Day 2011 and hanging an American Flag in his bedroom. That flag is with him as we speak and will remain with him forever. His time spent serving overseas was a huge piece of his life which has translated over to me.

Thanks Dad, and every other Veteran that has sacrificed their personal well-being, time, family and health for protecting our country. Without you, we would not have what we have.

On that note, and before I get too choked up, I’ll conclude this blog and get back to work. It’s a busy time here at the Mission Repair headquarters and there’s no time to lose!

Take care, Ryan