On Saturday 7 July 2012 District 18 organized a ceremony to recognize 89 year old World War II Veteran Charles Miller and to participate in his birthday celebration. Over 80 family members and friends from several states traveled to Piedmont, Missouri for the occasion. Piedmont American Legion Post 281 presented the colors while Post Commander Philip Baker presented Mr. Miller with his World War II Victory Medal and Post Adjutant John Butuso presented him with the Occupation Medal. A United States Flag and a State of Missouri Flag were also presented to Mr. Miller by American Legion Post 281. Representative Terry Swinger (D-MO 162nd District) presented Mr. Miller with a Missouri House of Representatives Resolution to honor his 89th birthday. The Missouri Patriot Service Award was presented by his Eagle Scout grandson Michael Kilpatrick of Kansas City. Representing District 18 was Mountain View Veterans of Foreign WarsPost 3009 Veterans Service Officer Bill Moriarty who led the Pledge of Allegiance and told the gathering about the history of our “Greatest Generation” as well as reading Birthday Greetings from Missouri Governor Nixon and U.S. Representative Emerson (R-MO).
John Batuso, Charles Miller and Philip Baker
Bill Moriarty, John Batuso, Charles Miller and Philip Baker
John Batuso, Charles Miller, Bill Moriarty with great-granddaughter and Philip Baker
Bill Moriarty and Charles Miller
Story and photos provided courtesy of Bill Moriarty of Mountain View VFW Post 3009