A large crowd was gathered at the Pineville square on Saturday for the opening of the "Stories of Military Service" exhibit at the McDonald County Historic Courthouse Museum. But one woman was singled out for a special presentation.
Jean Stratton Bird is the sister of Capt. Eldon Stratton, a World War II Army fighter pilot who was killed in action in the South Pacific on Aug. 30, 1943. His remains were never recovered, and the family never received a flag. Bird was 16 years old when her brother was killed in action. She has donated a room's worth of artifacts to the museum, mostly military uniforms worn by family members and her own Red Cross uniform.
The American Legion Post 392 Honor Guard of Pineville and Jane honored the memory of Capt. Stratton on Saturday by presenting his sister with a flag.
John Naylor of the honor guard said, "For a family that loses a loved one that served in the military, it shows them they're not forgotten."
Bird did not know anything about the flag presentation, but she was called up on stage at the beginning of ceremonies along with two other women. Lynn Tatum of the historical society said she wanted to recognize three women. First, she recognized Jo Pearcy for saving the courthouse when the county commissioners wanted to tear it down. Next, she recognized Zella Mae Collie for being the driving force behind getting the building on the national registry. Finally, she recognized Bird for inspiring the historical society to set aside a room for the military.
Jane Lant of the historical society read a 2014 note from Bird in which she pondered why the family never received a flag following her brother's death. Perhaps it was because his remains were never recovered, she said. One governor of Missouri suggested that Bird buy a flag, and it could be flown over the capitol on the day of his death. She could buy a flag, but that was not the point, she said.
"Anybody who gives their life for their country should receive a flag," she said.
Things were made right on Saturday. Following the posting of the colors, a nine-gun salute and "Taps," Ret. Col. Mark Bartley presented Bird with a flag.
Bird expressed, "My heartfelt gratitude to you for my brother and my family, who would be so proud." She added, "My roots are McDonald County. I'll never forget where my roots are."
General News on 05/31/2018