Independence, Mo. – The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum welcomed a crowd of veterans and community members on Wednesday, Veterans Day, for a special program that highlighted the former president’s own military background and the enduring fellowship among those who have served.
Local veterans connect with Truman’s legacy
Among the attendees was retired Staff Sergeant Megan Kloepper, a longtime member of the Missouri Army National Guard. Kloepper said she was surprised to learn that Truman served in the Missouri National Guard before his political career. “I did not know that he was in the Missouri National Guard,” she said, adding that it’s important for today’s guardsmen to be aware of the presidential history tied to their service.
Kloepper emphasized that the friendships forged in uniform are among the most valuable parts of her veteran experience. “Being a veteran, the greatest thing that came out of it is the soldiers I met,” she explained. “You’ll never have friendships quite like the ones you share with fellow veterans.”
Reflections on service and sacrifice
Visitors from outside the area also shared their thoughts. Joel Shaffer, traveling from Oakland, California, noted that military service teaches powerful life lessons, regardless of whether a veteran later becomes a president or returns to a hometown. “There’s a lot of powerful things that people learn when they’re serving their country,” he said. “And of course, there’s a lot for the country to be thankful for for their service.”
Kloepper, while proud of her own service, downplayed her role compared with active‑duty soldiers. “I think me being a National Guard member, I did the least,” she said. “Our soldiers on deployment, they do the most. Those are the soldiers we really need to be thinking of on Veterans Day.”
Honoring all veterans, past and present
The conversation turned to the everyday challenges many veterans face. Kloepper recounted meeting a Marine Corps veteran who had been Door‑Dashing for 19½ years to make ends meet. “It’s really important to recognize our vets, whether they were presidents or are working side‑gigs to support their families,” she said.
The museum’s exhibits trace Truman’s service with Battery D during World War I and his decisions as commander in chief during World II, providing a historical backdrop for the day’s reflections. Visitors walked through displays that illustrate how Truman’s military experience shaped his leadership style and his commitment to the nation.
Community impact
Local leaders praised the event as a reminder of the strong ties between Independence’s military heritage and the city’s civic pride. The library’s staff noted that the turnout underscores the community’s respect for those who have served and the importance of preserving Truman’s legacy for future generations.
As the day concluded, veterans exchanged contact information, promising to stay connected and support one another beyond the library walls. The gathering served as a testament to the enduring bonds of service and the shared history that links Independence’s past to its present.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
