Missouri Veterans Cemetery-Bloomfield

DYK Your local County Recorder’s Office maintains military discharges? If you have an original or certified copy, get it recorded for safe keeping. Connect with your local Veterans Service Office for more information. mvc.dps.mo.gov/service/

Today we take time to honor the children of fallen patriots. We salute the sacrifice of military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.

Missouri Veterans Commission and Missouri Department of Economic Development Launch New Benefits and Resource Portal for Veterans and Military Members. Read more at https://mvc.dps.mo.gov//1f055c93-0333-45cf-80d1-60edeff5d4 Visit the portal: https://veteranbenefits.mo.gov/

Have you checked out the new Missouri Benefits and Resource Portal for Veterans and Military? Find resources for starting a business, finding a career, transportation, homelessness and more at veteranbenefits.mo.gov/

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, our annual Wreaths Across America Program will be conducted a little differently this year. We will be holding the Seven Ceremonial Wreath Laying part of the program privately and will post a video of the event to our Facebook page. All wreaths will be placed on the graves by cemetery personnel this year. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Happy Veterans Day! Thank you to all who have served and are serving!

Unfortunately, we are unable to have our annual Veterans Day Program this year.

Reminder: Community Testing with FREE COVID-19 tests is still going on this week. Register at: health.mo.gov/communitytest

In memory of September 11, 2001.

MVC Spotlight: Shannon Collier Bloomfield Cemetery This is my family away from my family, said Shannon Collier. Shannon is the maintenance supervisor at the Bloomfield Cemetery. He has been part of the Missouri Veterans Commission team for over 17 years. He exudes great pride when talking about the pristine grounds at the Bloomfield Cemetery as well as how fortunate he is to work with such tight-knit group of co-workers.... I am really blessed to have such a great team here, said Shannon. When not in his administrative role, Shannon said he likes to pitch-in and work with his teammates. No day is the same at the Bloomfield Cemetery and his job duties vary from fabrication and maintenance in the shop to grounds keeping. My favorite times of the year here are in the spring and fall, said Shannon. It is during those times when the cemetery undertakes the behind-the-scenes work with sod and earthwork. You may think that cemeteries are not the ideal place to meet people. Shannon said that although people come there during a time of grieving that people also take pride in the service of their loved ones. He said he truly enjoys meeting family members and Veterans from all across the region who utilize the services of the Bloomfield Cemetery. We are very close to one another down here in southeast Missouri, said Shannon. We support a 17-county regionnot to mention Veterans in Arkansas, Kentucky, and southern Illinois who are all nearby. He also notes the support that the Bloomfield Assistance League, American Legion Posts in Dexter and Sikeston, and other organizations help to make the Bloomfield Cemetery a very special place for Veterans and their loved ones. These organizations provide support for cemetery projects and special events such as the annual Veterans Fishing Days. Missouri State Cemetery Program was created so that every Missouri Veteran will have reasonable access to a Veterans cemetery. There are five cemeteries are in operation at this time; Springfield, Higginsville, Bloomfield, Ft. Leonard Wood, and Jacksonville. There is no cost burial services for any Veteran. Spouses and children (who meet qualifications) are also eligible for burial services. Services include: military funeral honors; graveside or columbarium space; opening and closing of the gravesite or niche cover; provision of a grave liner; upright granite headstone or niche cover; and perpetual care. The Bloomfield Cemetery is located at 17357 Stars & Stripes Way in Bloomfield, Missouri. Shannon encourages anyone to visit the cemetery. I love my job, said Shannon with pride. See more