Military Appreciation Day Planned at Missouri State Fair

(SEDALIA, Mo.) – On Aug. 10, 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. A special ceremony will commence at 2 p.m. in the Mathewson Exhibition Center, which will include stirring music from a military band, inspiring videos, and nearly 100 motorcyclists representing the Patriot Guard Riders.

“We are humbled by the commitment our service men and women make to our country,” said Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce. ” Missourians understand their significance, and are encouraged to join us as we pay tribute.”

Admission to the Fair on Sunday, Aug. 10 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 fifth year for the military ceremony, established by Governor Nixon in 2010. The ceremony will include a keynote address from Dr. Tommy Macdonnell WWII Veteran and remarks from military leaders including Major General Stephen Danner with the Missouri National Guard, Colonel Matthew Brooks, Vice Commander 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base and Major General Leslie Smith of Fort Leonard Wood will be part of the celebration. Major Mike Roberts will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

The 2 p.m. event will be held in the air-conditioned Mathewson Exhibition Center, and 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, the Military Appreciation Day will also include a display of military vehicles and assets, including a tank provided by the Missouri National Guard. A MO.gov Photo Booth will be offering a photograph of attendees with this tank. The exhibit will be located on the east side of the Mathewson Exhibition Center.

For more information about highlights on Aug. 10, visit www.mostatefair.com, follow the Fair on Facebook and Twitter, or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247). The 112th Missouri State Fair, themed “Harvest the Fun!,” is Aug. 7-17 in Sedalia.