Club Celebrates Armed Services Day at Veteran Memorial

Members of High Noon Republican Women gathered at the Blue Springs, MO Veterans Way Memorial on May 19, 2025 to celebrate Armed Services Day, to place memorial wreaths at the site, and to educate members on both the memorial and Armed Services Day.  Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May to honor the men and women serving in the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. It recognizes their dedication and sacrifices in protecting the nation's interests and security. This Day is especially relevant given that the Veteran’s Way memorial was also created to honor all branches of military service in the United States, according to program leader and High Noon member Eleanor Frasier, who worked with the City of Blue Springs to hold this event.

Eleanor was chairwoman of the community-based Memorial Committee formed by the city to develop and build an all-veterans memorial in the city, which was dedicated in 2013. High Noon members through the years have purchased and placed flags for decorating the Memorial at each of the five national holidays honoring veterans and then pick them up or replace them after the events for future celebrations and remembrances.  

During the event, Eleanor gave a description of the Memorial Way, and a brief history of the process of its development.  Memorial wreaths placed at the site were donated by member Renee Windle.  The event then followed with a musical program “Songs That Have Inspired Patriotism” using the Wars as time markers. High Noon Republican Women Chaplain Virginia Robbins researched and played the songs for this recognition, accompanied by singer Jim Wilcher.  From the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan wars, all enjoyed the history and entertainment.  Members ended the ceremony by joining Jim in singing “God Bless The USA.”