Rain or Shine, Excelsior Springs VFW Honors Veterans at Memorial Day Service
Excelsior Springs, Mo. – Despite overcast skies and a persistent breeze hinting at rain, the Memorial Day service at Excelsior Springs’ Clay-Ray Veterans Club proceeded with solemn dignity on Monday. This year’s ceremony was abbreviated due to ongoing renovations at the Veterans Hall following a February incident in which a vehicle crashed through the roof.
With no access to restrooms or indoor facilities, the traditional post-ceremony reception was canceled. Only one wreath was placed at the memorial this year, rather than the customary seven honoring each branch of service: Auxiliary, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Merchant Marines, and Coast Guard. Volunteers handed out American flags as families gathered to pay tribute to our hometown heroes.
Commander Ron Wetzel of American Legion Post 236 organized and led the service, beginning with a heartfelt prayer honoring veterans, their families, and especially those who were injured or made, “the ultimate sacrifice”. He then led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A solemn moment followed as Brenda Spicer, treasurer with the Clay-Ray Veterans Association, laid a memorial wreath; this act is a gesture symbolizing deep respect and remembrance for those who have served, some at the cost of their own lives. Spicer remarked, “We wanted to still put something together for our veterans, even though the inside is still under repair.”
The service concluded with Commander Wetzel playing “Taps,” the bugle call that is played to honor fallen soldiers, and the crowd stood silently as the song played. Wetzel briefly addressed the gathered crowd, expressing gratitude for their presence and attributing the ceremony’s brevity to the lack of an indoor venue.
Nevertheless, members and organizers of the Clay-Ray Veteran’s Association and American Legion committed to honoring United States veterans, rain or shine, building or no building. Even in the face of structural challenges and uncertain weather, their commitment to honoring veterans reflects the enduring spirit of those who have served and the culture of Excelsior Springs.
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