MAYSVILLE, Mo. - Patriotic Northwest Missourians gave a red-white-and-blue definition to a fallen DeKalb County military hero Sunday night.

Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Kelley of the U.S. Army received special honors at the third annual Maysville Community Veterans celebration, held at the Pony Express RV Campgrounds. Organizer Edie Lowry said the event honors veterans of the past, present, and future.

"How many of us stop and think how our freedom can vanish in a blink?" she asked. "My heart is so strong for our military men and women," she added later with tears.

Mrs. Lowry said she discovered that a hero consists of noble qualities, exhibits great achievements and demonstrates great courage. Mr. Kelley fits that description, she said.

He died Jan. 26 while serving as a Kiowa helicopter pilot in Iraq. Mr. Kelley, a 30-year-old from Osborn, Mo., was part of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division when his helicopter and another crashed in northern Iraq. Three other American troops also perished. The Army has said enemy fire caused the crash.

The Kiowas are used for armed reconnaissance missions.

The festival offered its dedication to Mr. Kelley in various ways, including song. Bill Hendricks, chaplain for American Legion Post 33 in Cameron, Mo., called him "a young man who gave his life for the cause of freedom."

Mr. Hendricks said a tree will be planted and plaque placed at a veterans' memorial in Cameron. His voice quaked when he asked spectators to salute Mr. Kelley with him.

State Rep. Jim Guest, R-King City, read a proclamation from the Missouri House of Representatives that referred to Mr. Kelley's ultimate sacrifice "in support of freedom and democracy."

At the end of the ceremony, the crowd launched numerous red, white and blue balloons to honor all veterans.

Ray Scherer can be reached at rscherer@npgco.com.