Military Appreciation Day Celebrates Service Men and Women

August 11, 2015

Sixth Annual Ceremony at Missouri State Fair

Military Appreciation Day Celebrates Service Men and Women

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) –Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce and military leaders from across the country will be gathering to honor men and women of our armed services at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia on Sunday, Aug. 16. A special salute to those who serve will be held at 2 p.m. in the Mathewson Exhibition Center and will include a special ceremony, inspiring music, starring music from 135th Army Band, and hundreds of motorcyclists representing the Patriot Guard Riders.

“We are proud to support those who serve our country,” Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce said. “Military Appreciation Day at the Fair is a great way to honor the significance of the sacrifices of our service men and women.”

Admission to the Fair on Sunday, Aug. 16 is free for veterans, active-duty service personnel and delayed-entry recruits with appropriate identification. Their immediate family members can get in for $1 that day, and can receive a savings coupon for $5 off a carnival ride wristband.

This is the sixth year for the military ceremony, established by Governor Nixon in 2010. The ceremony will include a keynote address from Dale Mitchell, WWII Veteran and POW, and remarks from military leaders including Major General Stephen Danner with the Missouri National Guard, Brigadier General Paul W. Tibbets IV, Commander 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, and Brigadier General James Raymer, U.S. Army Engineer School commandant of Fort Leonard Wood, will be part of the celebration. Director Fordyce will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

The 2 p.m. event will be held in the air-conditioned Mathewson Exhibition Center. It is free to the public and all State Fair attendees are welcome to attend and join in the acknowledgement of our military heroes.

In addition to the special discounts for military families, Military Appreciation Day will also include a display of military vehicles and assets, including a tank provided by the Missouri National Guard and the chance to purchase personalized dog tags. The exhibit will be located on the east side of the Mathewson Exhibition Center.

The 113th Missouri State Fair, themed “Show Offs Welcome!” will be held Aug. 13-23 in Sedalia. For more information about concerts, events and other Fair activities, visit www.mostatefair.com, follow the Fair on Facebook and Twitter, or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).

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