Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations News Release

Bob Holden
Governor

Catherine B. Leapheart
Director

Tammy Cavender
Public Information Coordinator

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tammy Cavender (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 26, 2003

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF LABOR EMPLOYEES HONOR MEN AND WOMEN IN MILITARY

Jefferson City, MO – Employees of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations honored past and present men and women serving in the United States military yesterday during a “Celebrate Freedom” ceremony.  The presentation began with the Posting of Colors, followed by patriotic songs sang by department employees and closed with the Retiring of Colors.

Gracia Backer, Division of Employment Security Director, formed a group of employees to honor the men and women that have sacrificed so much for this country.  “These department volunteers used their lunch hour for nearly two months to practice and prepare for this presentation.  I am extremely proud to work with this group,” said Mrs. Backer.

According to Daniel Hays, a department volunteer, “I think it is important we as American’s celebrate our freedoms and honor those who have protected them.  By participating in the program we were able to not only honor our veterans, but to interact with our co-workers in a way we otherwise would not.”

Department employees sang the Star Spangled Banner, Battle Hymn of the Republic, My Country, “Tis of Thee, America the Beautiful, Yankee Doodle Dandy, God Bless America and theme songs from each branch of the military.