Pearl Harbor memorial Thursday also marks kickoff of blankets for veterans drive

Staff reports
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Thursday marks the 82nd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks, which drew the United States into World War II.

To commemorate the anniversary and to kick off its annual "Blankets for Vets and Pets" drive, the United States Exercise Tiger Foundation will hold a memorial service at 11:55 a.m. Thursday from the Boone County Memorial Plaza at the Boone County Courthouse.

Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, from left, retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer Vladimir Chernov and Susan Haines, executive director of the U.S. Exercise Tiger Foundation place a memorial wreath Dec. 7, 2022 at the World War II and Korean War memorial at the Boone County Courthouse Square during a ceremony recognizing the 81st anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor.

County commissioners, state representatives and U.S. Navy and Marines personnel will take part in the ceremony.

Veterans and the public are asked to attend, where they can place flowers at the World War II memorial. A commemorative wreath also will be placed by elected officials and military personnel.

The service also marks the second year of the USTF's blanket drive.

"We ask anyone to bring an old blanket, jacket, or pet bed that we can then give to deserving vets and their pets and families," said Susan Haines, USTF national director.

Drop-off locations also are available at Callaway Bank branch locations at Chapel Hill Road in Columbia and on Broadway in Ashland. Donations also are accepted at The Captains Quarters Hair Salon at 25 N. 10th St. in Columbia and at the USTF offices at 1001 E. Walnut St., Suite 200.

Monetary and in-kind donations meant USTF distributed 275 blankets to veterans last year. Those who have donations, but need to arrange a pick-up, can call USTF at 573-356-0529 or email ustf.org@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Pearl Harbor memorial in Columbia coincides with veterans blanket drive