An effort to give special, visible recognition of Veterans Day founder Alvin King is moving forward after years of conversation.
Spokesman Jesse Solis with the Mexican American World War II Committee says there is a donation account now set up at Credit Union of Emporia. Residents can donate to the Alvin J King Memorial, care of Diana Solis.
Jesse Solis says funds will help to create and install a plaque honoring King at his former shoe shop, 723 Commercial in downtown Emporia.
Besides the fundraising, Jesse Solis is working to make sure the inscription is accurate.
Jesse Solis has also reached out to Coffelt Signs to create the plaque. The goal is to raise around $4,000 for the plaque and installation.
Veterans Day was initially called Armistice Day, honoring World War I soldiers, before King suggested a name change and a new focus on all military veterans. He proposed the idea to Congressman Ed Rees in 1953, the year Emporia celebrated the holiday for the first time. Then-President Dwight Eisenhower signed the change into law in 1954.
For more information on the King plaque project, call Jesse Solis at 620-340-7564.
