For the eighth year, the Missouri State Fair will hold the Military Flag Retreat Ceremony, a tradition that honors the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our nation. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with our “Show-Me Stars and Stripes” theme, the Missouri State Fair is proud to recognize these outstanding veterans for their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to defending our nation.

Sponsored by Capital Aggregates, Starline Brass, Retrieving Freedom, Inc. and GFL Environmental, the Military Flag Retreat honors Missouri residents with a formal flag-lowering ceremony held in front of the Historic Administration Building on the Fairgrounds.

This year, 11 honorees were selected from nominations received across the state to be recognized in this meaningful tradition. Help celebrate their service and sacrifice each day of the 2026 Missouri State Fair.

The following individuals have been selected to be honored at the 2026 Missouri State Fair:

• Melvin D. Ficken of Knob Noster, U.S. Army – Aug. 13 at 5:15 p.m.

• Richard W. Fricke of Alma, U.S. Army – Aug. 14 at 5:30 p.m.

• Ronald Gillig of Odessa, U.S. Navy – Aug. 15 at 5:30 p.m.

• Edward Hawley of Columbia, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army – Aug. 16 at 5:30 p.m.

• Henry “Allen” Durrill of Sedalia, U.S. Army – Aug. 17 at 5:30 p.m.

• Roger Korenburg of California, U.S. Air Force – Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

• Allen Hawkins of Sedalia, U.S. Marine Corps – Aug. 19 at 5:30 p.m.

• Jerry Bay of Windsor, U.S. Army – Aug. 20 at 5:30 p.m.

• Bryce Lockwood of Strafford, U.S. Marine Corps – Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m.

• Henry L. Suddarth of Tipton, U.S. Army – Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

• James Albers of Saint Charles, U.S. Marine Corps – Aug. 23 at 4:30 p.m.

Visit the Missouri State Fair each evening to join in honoring these 11 remarkable veterans at the Military Flag Retreat Ceremony. It’s going to be a Fair worth saluting, Aug. 13-23 in Sedalia!