Mexico is marking the 26th annual Missouri Exercise Tiger ceremony today at the Audrain County Courthouse.
The event honors the soldiers, sailors and airmen who died in the World War Two Exercise Tiger training disaster, along with other military members remembered at the national wreath-laying tribute.
Organizers say the ceremony is part of a long-running tradition in the community, featuring memorial wreaths, remarks and tributes to the fallen.
Today’s ceremony at the Anchor carries special meaning this year.
The USTF Veterans Foundation will present free medals to any veteran who attends participants are simply asked to wear something representing their service.
The event also honors six soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command out of Iowa, who were killed in a March 1st missile attack. The unit had supported this tribute annually from 2006 to 2020.
A four-foot wreath will be displayed locally in their memory, while 13 U.S. Coast Guard stations will place wreaths at sea marked “103.”
Organizers hope the tribute encourages more local veterans to attend and be recognized.