In 2025, as the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, Missouri celebrated its landmark 20th anniversary, a new and distinguished tradition was born: the establishment of the Order of the Cherry Blossom Colonels. This prestigious order was created to honor and unite a select group of 100 legendary, influential, and exemplary Missourians—those who have left a lasting mark on the cultural, civic, and historical fabric of the state.
The Cherry Blossom Colonels were envisioned as stewards of goodwill and champions of Missouri’s heritage. Their mission is rooted in the core values of the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival itself: the preservation and celebration of American, state, and local history. The creation of this order not only honors individual achievement but also reinforces the Festival’s commitment to remembrance, patriotism, and civic pride.
To guide the order and ensure its success and longevity, an inaugural Board of Directors was appointed:
- Governor Mike Kehoe (Jefferson City, MO) – Honorary Commander
- Luge Hardman (Waynesville, MO) – President
- David Jerome (Ozark, MO) – Vice President
- Marci Bennett (St. Joseph, MO) – Treasurer
- Trish Erzfeld (Perryville, MO) – Secretary
- Dr. William Piston (Springfield, MO) – Historian
- Rev. Nicholas W. Inman (Marshfield, MO) – Honorary Chairman and Festival Founder
This distinguished board reflects a balance of civic leadership, historical stewardship, and festival legacy. Their commitment to honoring the past while inspiring the future serves as the cornerstone of the Order’s foundation.
Membership in the Cherry Blossom Colonels is capped at 100 individuals, each selected for their noteworthy contributions to the state of Missouri—whether through public service, the arts, education, business, or community leadership. In addition to the 100 active members, all living former Governors, First Ladies, and Lieutenant Governors of Missouri will be granted Honorary Membership in the Order.
Each year, the Cherry Blossom Colonels will gather for a formal luncheon held on the Wednesday before the official opening of the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival. This annual luncheon, which serves as the Order’s signature event, is not only a celebration of legacy and service, but also a unifying moment for Missourians from all regions and walks of life.
In a ceremonial gesture that will become a treasured tradition, each newly inducted Colonel will be presented with a pink suit jacket, symbolizing their place within the Order and their ongoing commitment to carry forth the ideals of the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival. The jacket is a visual representation of their unity, honor, and shared purpose.
To further preserve Missouri’s rich heritage, the oral histories of each Cherry Blossom Colonel will be collected and archived—creating a living tapestry of voices, memories, and contributions that tell the story of a great state through its remarkable citizens.