Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson announced that they will revive a lost Missouri tradition and host a Missouri Military Ball at the Governor’s Mansion on Saturday, December 30 at 5:30 p.m. The history of Missouri’s leaders hosting Military Balls dates back to the early 1800s with a territorial celebration of the state militia, the predecessor to the Missouri National Guard. With the construction of the current Governor’s Mansion in 1871, the event became the New Year’s Military Reception and continued until 1926. In following years, the military gathering was held intermittently at the Governor’s Mansion, and Governor and First Lady Parson are excited to rekindle this tradition. The 135th Army Band will be performing for the ball and several distinguished guests will be in attendance, including statewide officials, members of the Missouri National Guard, Missouri Military Installation Commanders, military community partners and stakeholders, members of the Missouri General Assembly and Missouri’s congressional delegation, members of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission, and the Governor’s Cabinet, among other honored guests.