There were several ways to Honor a Hero at the Lyon County Fairgrounds on Tuesday.
Residents were encouraged to drive through the Fairgrounds to offer their thanks to military veterans and current service personnel, as well as emergency responders and law enforcement. But they were also encouraged to donate to the Wreaths Across America event Dec. 13, which is looking to decorate 2,333 graves of veterans with live wreaths that morning. Lead organizer Scott Burenheide says individuals and business owners have been willing to get on board.
Part of Wreaths Across America is also about education, something Burenheide saw firsthand last year.
Residents could also sign up to volunteer, whether to offload wreaths, direct traffic, place the wreaths on graves next month or pick up the wreaths in January — and that was a key focus Tuesday. Organizer Richelle Birk says the ballpark number is yet to be determined.
The push to get wreaths has had major successes this month, going from around 350 wreaths Nov. 4 to nearly 2,000 this past Sunday. Organizer Clay Childs says the Emporia area has had an awakening since The Wall That Heals appeared in Emporia back in August.
Fundraising for the event next month ends Tuesday, so any additional money gained from this point serves as the financial base for the 2026 event. Organizers will join KVOE’s 7:05 am newscast with an update on both fundraising and volunteer needs.
Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including a YouTube Short from Honor a Hero.
