Bishop offers prayers at 250th anniversary memorial dedication

These images call forth the cooperation that has meant so much to this great nation. May it always remind us of the grace you give us to respond to the work that is ours to do.””

Bishop Ralph B. O’Donnell, in his Invocation

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Bishop Ralph B. O’Donnell joined Gov. Mike Kehoe, Cole County Presiding Commissioner Sam Buschman, distinguished Missouri historian Bob Priddy, local and state officials, proud veterans and a host of others June 24 at a dedication ceremony for a new bronze statue outside the Cole County Courthouse in Jefferson City, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The statue stands at the corner of Monroe and East High streets.

A threat of rain moved the gathering to Cana Hall in the Cathedral of St. Joseph.

The statue, a gift to Cole County from U.S. Marine Cpl. Joe Bryan and Aileen Bryan, depicts a World War I-era U.S. Marine, a Missouri mule and a bulldog.

It symbolizes countless Missourians’ contributions to keeping the nation safe, free and prosperous.

“These images call forth the cooperation that has meant so much to this great nation,” Bishop O’Donnell prayed in the Invocation. “May it always remind us of the grace you give us to respond to the work that is ours to do.”

Brigadier General Bob Payne, Adjutant General for Missouri, expressed his hope that the statue will stand for many generations, “honoring those who served, inspiring those who serve today, and reminding us that freedom is never something we can take for granted.”

Gov. Kehoe noted that this nation was built “by generations of Americans who worked hard, sacrificed and believed they could leave things better than how they found them.”

The Missouri mule, he said, is an ideal symbol of those strong, dependable and hardworking people.

Most of the time, “greatness is built through steady work, determination and perseverance,” the governor said. “Those are Missouri’s values, and those are America’s values.”

He said the new statue depicts more than just a beloved animal.

“We’re honoring the character of Missouri — a character built by farmers, small business owners, service members, teachers, families and generations of hardworking people who have made our state and nation what they are today,” he said.

Bishop O’Donnell closed the ceremony by praying for “all those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice in order that we might be a great nation.”

“And grant your protection to all those who serve in our current day,” he prayed.