Emporia’s All Veterans Activities are now in full swing.
As part of Friday’s list of events, community members and veterans alike convened inside the Emporia Arts Center for the annual Veteran Artist Exhibition. Taking home several honors was Marine Corps Veteran Hugh Mitchell, who received first place and the VFW Beyond the Battle Award for his piece Lakota Camp as well as third place for his piece My Little Chickadees.
Mitchell says his passion for artwork began through his professional career as a contractor.
During his interview with KVOE News, Mitchell was visibly emotional and when asked what was impacting him so heavily, he stated that as an artist, any opportunity to showcase your work to others is special, but as an artist and veteran who “Made it home” from combat, those opportunities carry a much deeper meaning.
In concluding his interview, Mitchell had an important message for all citizens as Veterans Day approaches, reminding them to thank and honor those who laid their lives on the line in service to our country.
Also receiving awards for their entries Friday were Army Veteran Michael Kohler for his chime objects, which received the People’s Choice Award. Receiving second place was Navy Veteran Mark Weber for his photograph of a snow-covered C of E Park.
Each of the award winners, in addition to their ribbons and medals, also received a cash prize from ESB Financial, the main sponsor for the evening’s event.
The veterans art exhibit is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to All Veterans Tribute activities, which will be ramping up over the next several days. Saturday’s schedule will have Freedom Fest taking place at the Emporia All Veterans Memorial.
Saturday’s event will include the Norwegian Ruck March just after 8 am, the 20-mile Lyon County State Bank Freedom Ride at 9, Freedom Run 5K and Spur Challenge both launching at 9:30 am, a Kids Mini Mission Dash at 10:30 am and the Disc Golf Open starting at 11
Also, Saturday will be the Quilts of Gratitude ceremony inside the Lyon County Fairgrounds Anderson Building, starting at 1 pm. Saturday night features country musician Coffey Anderson, the singer of “Mr Red White and Blue,” performing at the Emporia Granada Theatre as part of the Emporia Arts Council’s Entertainment Series. Tickets are $30, but military veterans and active-duty service personnel can attend for free with a military ID.
Speaking of music, the Emporia Municipal Band has its second annual “United in Gratitude” concert at the Granada Theatre. The concert begins at 3 pm and is free to attend.
Veterans Day is Tuesday, featuring the annual parade at 9:30 am and the memorial service at 11 am. KVOE will live-stream the parade on the KVOE.com YouTube channel, with the memorial service aired on-air and on YouTube.
