EXECUTIVE ORDER
16-05

WHEREAS, all Missourians can take pride in the courageous efforts of our citizens during World War I as well as this state’s contribution to preserving the history of World War I; and

WHEREAS, Missouri is home to many World War I leaders such as General of the Armies John Pershing who led the American Expeditionary Forces to victory over Germany; and

WHEREAS, Missouri is home to the National World War I Museum and Memorial, which is located in Kansas City and possesses an extraordinary collection that helps preserve the history of World War I; and

WHEREAS, Missouri is the birthplace of Frank Buckles, an United States Army soldier who was the last surviving American veteran of World War I before his death in 2011; and

WHEREAS, World War I occurred 100 years ago, beginning in 1914 and ending in 1918; and

WHEREAS, in 2013, President Barack Obama signed the World War I Centennial Commission Act creating a 12-member national commission responsible for planning and executing programs to commemorate the centennial of World War I; and

WHEREAS, in discharging its duties, the World War I Centennial Commission plans to coordinate with each state and territory events to recognize and remember the efforts and sacrifices of all Americans during World War I; and

WHEREAS, it is in the interest of all Missourians for this state to coordinate with the World War I Centennial Commission to ensure Missourians are exposed to the history of World War I.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JEREMIAH W. (JAY) NIXON, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Missouri, do hereby direct the Department of Public Safety, with guidance from the Missouri Veterans’ Commission and the Adjutant General of the State of Missouri, to coordinate events with the World War I Centennial Commission that recognize and remember the efforts and sacrifices of all Americans during World War I.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 27th day of May, 2016.

[Jay Nixon's signature]
Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon
Governor

ATTEST:

[Jason Kander's signature]
Jason Kander
Secretary of State

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