PHOTO GALLERY: Columbia celebrates Memorial Day with Veterans Barbecue

May 28, 2012 | 7:05 p.m. CDT

Columbia residents celebrate Memorial Day Monday afternoon at the Veterans Barbecue. The event was originally slated to take place at Saint Luke Church but was moved to a volunteer's house.

Philip Peters and Almeta Crayton shoot the breeze Monday as Peters bring cupcakes and other foods to the Veterans Barbecue. “Almeta is one of our community's true heros,” Peters said. “This is a true American here.” | Robert Swain

Patty Stone, left, and Almeta Crayton cook hotdogs and hamburgers Monday at the Veterans Barbecue at Crayton's home. This is the third year that Crayton has hosted this barbecue for veterans on Memorial Day. | Robert Swain

From left, Almeta Crayton, O.J. Stone and Patty Stone donate time to serve veterans with disabilities Monday at Crayton's home. The Veterans Barbecue was held at the Saint Luke Church, but a lack of shade drove the event to Crayton’s house. | Robert Swain

Almeta Crayton and Philip Peters celebrate Memorial Day by serving their community with a barbecue for veterans with disabilities Monday at Crayton's home. | Robert Swain