Missouri War Service Medallion Program Honors Veterans and Preserves Their Stories

For Missouri veterans, a medallion can represent far more than a period of military service. It can become a piece of family history that remains long after the veteran is gone.

Lebanon Now and Vet Talk are helping promote the Missouri Veterans Recognition Program and encouraging local veterans and their families to learn whether they qualify for one of the state’s War Service Medallions.Read about the full program here:

The program recognizes eligible Missouri veterans who served during designated periods of conflict, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For veterans who have passed away, eligible surviving family members may also be able to receive the recognition on their behalf.

During a recent conversation about the program, Vet Talk emphasized that veterans shouldn’t necessarily think of the medallion as something they are receiving only for themselves.

“I’m telling you right now, you’re not doing it for you. You’re doing it for your kids, you’re doing it for your wife, you’re doing it for their sacrifices.”

The medallion, certificate and accompanying recognition can become something children and grandchildren keep for decades, preserving another tangible connection to their family’s military service.

That was evident during a previous local medallion ceremony at the Wallace Building in Lebanon. Veterans gathered to be recognized, families heard stories from generations of military service, and some veterans were reunited with people they had not seen since high school.

One local veteran even accepted recognition connected to his father’s World War I service.

Those ceremonies can also preserve stories that may otherwise disappear.

Veterans and their families shared memories of military service, deployments and experiences that aren’t necessarily recorded in history books. Some of those stories had been passed from veteran to veteran or within families for decades.

The program also provides an opportunity for the entire community to participate.

Veterans organizations, local nonprofits, military supporters and community members all play a role in making these ceremonies meaningful. Groups such as Lebanon Friends of the Fort, AUSA and The Fallen Outdoors were highlighted as examples of organizations and individuals working to support veterans throughout the region.

And you don’t have to be a veteran to help.

Community members can volunteer, attend veteran recognition ceremonies, support veteran organizations or simply find ways to spend time with veterans in the community.

Another Missouri War Service Medallion ceremony is being planned locally, with details to be announced.

Lebanon Now and Vet Talk are encouraging veterans and families to learn more about the program now and determine whether they or a loved one may qualify.

For some veterans, it may be another medal.

For their families, it could become something they treasure for generations.