Despite less than ideal conditions, area residents turned out in droves to honor military service personnel past and present with Emporia’s Veterans Day activities.
Mother Nature was not kind to the area, bringing cold, blustery and icy conditions to town, but still over 150 people filled the Fairgrounds Anderson Building for the annual memorial service. Given that the event was moved from the All Veterans Memorial, it may stand to reason there was an adjustment in the longstanding event agenda. In this case, two winners in Sunday’s All Veterans Tribute Essay Contest read their works for the crowd. Eighth-grader Kadey Robert of Olpe had some pointers for how best to honor veterans.
Sixth-grader Brayden Lienemann of Olpe had his own advice.
The event also featured a brief history of the All Veterans Memorial. Developer and spokesman Frank Lowery says the sentiments behind Veterans Day should be celebrated year-round.
Gold Star Mother Maria Lane, whose son, David, died while fighting overseas 12 years ago, has been working to keep her son’s memory alive — and has been helping veterans adjust to life back home.
With the event inside, two aspects of the memorial service went outside, including the military gun salute and Taps.
While the memorial service was held, the parade was canceled as temperatures were in the low 20s and wind chills were in the single digits Monday morning.
Following the service and the traditional ham and bean feeds, First United Methodist Church is holding a concert at 7:30 pm featuring the ESU A Cappella Choir. Admission is free with a nonperishable food item.
On Tuesday, Newman Regional Health will hold a special Veterans Presentation on Health Care from 5:30-7 pm at the American Legion Post No. 5. The annual All Veterans Show will start at 7 pm Friday at Emporia State’s Albert Taylor Hall.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
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