Customs maintained and customs adapted highlighted Emporia’s Memorial Day service Monday.
In the place of a featured speaker, local veterans discussed several historical features connected to the holiday. Navy veteran Sarah Johnson discussed the history of Memorial Day during a short speech. She also quoted Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s noted poem, “Decoration Day.”
Retired Colonel John Sanderson referenced the sheer numbers of military men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Gold Star Mother Maria Lane offered her perspective on Memorial Day by highlighting the life of 19-year-old Shane Austin through the words of his mother. Austin was an Edgerton native who died in 2006 while serving in Iraq.
And Ed Rathke read “Little Green Tents,” written by one-time Emporian Walt Mason — after providing a short history lesson about the poem.
Some customs were maintained, including the roll call of veterans who died since the 2018 Memorial Day service…
…as well as a 21-gun salute and Taps.
The Emporia Municipal Band also played patriotic music for the people attending.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
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