There were a number of activities for veterans in and around St. Joseph on Wednesday, including a gathering of 765 former military men at Hy-Vee for the annual Veterans Day

breakfast event.

A group of about 35 cadets, veterans, staff and a few students gathered in the student union building for Missouri Western State University's Veterans Day ceremony. Lt. Col. Marcus D. Majure, commander of the Reserve Officers Training Program, delivered the main address, thanking all veterans for their service.

A parade of four marching bands, vintage military vehicles and about 400 ROTC cadets wound through Downtown streets Wednesday afternoon.

Kody Kimerling, an Iraq war veteran and ROTC cadet, was the master of ceremonies at the Missouri Western event. He noted the history of Armistice Day and how it became Veterans Day. The tribute included a fallen comrade memorial, consisting of boots, inverted rifle, dog tags and a helmet, as well as a missing in action table to remind the public to remember those who are considered MIA.

Kirk Gries, a former Army military policeman and nontraditional student, talked about the formation of a new student organization - a student veterans association.

"We hope to create an environment for vets, and give them a renewed sense that they aren't alone," Mr. Gries said.

Others at the service suggested that more than 50 veterans are enrolled at the university, and all would be eligible for membership in the new group.

Prepping a replica 30-caliber machine gun Wednesday afternoon behind City Hall was veteran Ray Bliley. He waited for months on proper licensing to get his vintage Dodge WC-52 military troop/cargo vehicle out on the street. He made the maiden voyage Wednesday in the Veterans Day parade.

Mr. Bliley and his brother Joe, both Vietnam War veterans, said the patriotism shown by Americans today is more evident than what they saw after their tours.

"We came back a pariah," Joe Bliley said.

The brothers are hoping that the vintage Army vehicle will help bring attention to veterans. Ray looked down Francis Street at the throng of onlookers and said he "loved the fact that all these vets are getting together, paying homage."

"It's making my heart swell with pride," he said.

For many participating in or watching the parade, the afternoon Downtown was only one component of the day spent recognizing the efforts of veterans. Leroy Speer, a Vietnam War veteran, parked his scooter adorned with two American flags near the Pony Express statue, the parade's starting point.

"It really means a lot to me," he said. "Everybody is showing respect."

Mr. Speer and his wife, Anne, planned to spend the remainder of the day at the Juda House, passing out winter clothing to homeless veterans.

"It bothers me to see them homeless," he said. "No vet should be homeless."

Jimmy Myers can be reached at jimmym@npgco.com. Marshall White can be reached at marshall@npgco.com.