The Stars and Stripes Museum/Library in Bloomfield, Missouri is celebrating Vietnam Living History Day this Saturday, July 22nd.  Bloomfield is in south eastern Missouri on State Hwy 25 just north of US Hwy 60 at Dexter, MO.  (See Below).  The Museum staff has personally invited The Patriot Guard Riders to attend.  Our primary function is to join several honor guards in the Opening Ceremonies for the Posting of the colors, followed by the National Anthem , Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation ahead of the welcoming and opening remarks.

They would like all attendees to gather at 11:00 and are welcome to arrive anytime before that.  Although most guests will be parking off site and shuttling to the event, they will reserve a large area for motorcylce parking right their at the museum, which is at the entrance of the cemetary.  My riding group has visited the facility and it is absolutely amazing.  All Americans and especially the veterans will leave there with a bounce in your step.  All you really have to do is show up.  Be there by 11:00 to join the Opening Ceremonies and enjoy the day.  I cannot be there Saturday, but will coordinate right up to that point.  We will field promote a Ride Captain in the next couple of days.  Please throw out any questions you might have and I will  get you answers.  Thanks everyone.

Here's the map.  Sikeston is approx 150 south of St. Louis, a half hour south of Cape Girardeau.  Bloomfield is 5 miles north of Dexter.

Stars and Stripes Museum/Library

Bloomfield, Missouri

(573) 568-2055

Vietnam Living History Day

Scheduled Events

July 22, 2006

I. Opening ceremonies         12NOON

            A. Posting of the colors.  (Several Honor Guards)

            B. National Anthem   (Adam Miles)

            C. Pledge of Allegiance (Jesse Trevor, & Chance Vermillion)

            D. Invocation

            E. Welcome and opening remarks (Joe Baker & Paul Arnold)

            F. Guest Speaker (Joel Rhodes)

          1:00-2:00 P M VVA Display & Explanation of exhibit

II. Silver Rose Ceremony    4:00 P M

A.    Explanation of the Order of the Silver Rose( Sheldon Hartsfield, Darren Pierce & Jack Jackson

B.    Introduction of recipients

C.    Presentation of medals

D.    Closing Remarks

7:00 P M Larry Herron Concert

III. POW/MIA and Closing Ceremonies   Dusk 8:15 P M

A. Opening Remarks (Briney Welborn)

            B. Guest Speaker (Roy Rhodes)

            C. Candle lighting ceremony & Song by Larry Roberts “It’s Always Been The

                 Soldier”             

            D. Wreath Laying

            E. Closing (Jack Dragoni   Song by Adams Miles “Amazing Grace”)

            F. Benediction

                21 Gun Salute
                Taps

G.    Retire Colors

Food venders on site.   Bring your lawn chairs and join us for the day

Nearby motels:

There are motels about 5 miles south of us. I have not heard of any discounts.  We are hoping to have one built near the museum before to long. Just need someone to finance it. 

Motels in Dexter:

Hickory House Inn 573 624 3566

Dexter Inn 573 624 7465

Country Hearth Inn 573 624 7400

Rooms are very reasonable at all these motels

We are so excited about all of you attending the Vietnam Living History Day Sat.  Talk to you then. Deloris

This is  not really an organized ride - but it is the perfect gathering for Patriot Guard Riders and we are honored to have been invited.  We don't have a designated 'organizer' to have you all gather with (yet).  If anyone reading this knows they are going for sure and can be there an hour or two before the 11:00 staging, make sure you make yourself known and look out for the other PGR attendees.  If a few of you snap some pictures, we'd appreciate your sharing them with us.  The Vietnam Vets MC from this area works closely with the Stars and Stripes Museum and have organized a Poker Run or two for them.  Hook up with those  guys if you wish.  If you see anyone  from my WarChild riding group, introduce yourself and they can share any local knowledge you might need.  Minors HD is at exit 91 on I55 south of Cape  Girardeau.  This is a great biking area and I'm confident most would help you in any way.  I'll keep abreast of things right up until Saturday morning and share anything that comes up.