(Photos by Randy M. Cauthron) Clay County Supervisor Burlin Matthews signs the ESGR support agreement at the conclusion of the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Clay County Fair. [Order this photo]

Veterans from all over the region were among those attending the special recognition event in the Clay County Regional Events Center Tuesday morning.

Pastor Brian Bopp, from the First Assembly of God Church in Des Moines, offered a one-man presentation, "Freedom," which saw him portray characters in costume, from founders of the country to Frances Scott Key, to soldiers in the Revolutionary War, World War I and World War II.

As the wounded "freedom fighter," Bopp said, "Freedom comes with a price."

Marine Sgt. Maj. Brad Kasel, from Afton, was honored during the fair's Veteran's Day ceremony, after receiving the Navy cross for his actions, protecting fallen comrades during a tour in Iraq in 2004. [Order this photo]

Joan Waller, of the Clay County Veteran Affairs office, reinforced the message, "Freedom is not free."

A portion of the ceremony involved representatives from local communities and businesses taking part in the official signing of a pledge of support for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

Tom Manley, area chairman for ESGR, noted that the group was formed in 1992 as an agency within the Department of Defense.

Clay County Fair Board President Dave Simington unveiled the county's new Blue Star Marker, making Clay County one of three counties in the nation to be recognized as a Blue Star County by having a Blue Star marker in each of its communities. [Order this photo]

Manley said, "By signing this, they acknowledge the fact that they support the military and guard."

Those signing the agreement came from as far away as Pocahontas and Humboldt to take part in the signing.

Shawn Mayer, third runner-up on the Nashville Star program, and former May City resident, surprised the audience from stage, performing her friend Billy Ray Cyrus's song, "Some Gave All" in a very emotional tribute to those who served in the crowd.

In a highlight moment, Bopp recognized Marine Sgt. Maj. Brad Kasel from stage, calling him a modern hero. Kasel earned the Navy Cross for heroism after having used his body to shield fallen comrades from harm during his tour in Iraq in 2004. Because of his heroic behavior, he sustained 40 shrapnel wounds and seven gun shot wounds.

Kasel continues to serve today marking his 24th year of service to the country.