Local residents convened in Olpe on Veterans Day to celebrate the construction of the area’s latest veterans memorial.
The Olpe All-Area Veterans Memorial dedication ceremony was just one of many celebrations honoring servicemen and women on the holiday. The event featured the playing of the national anthem and taps by the Olpe High School band, a rifle salute and several speeches.
The memorial spans roughly 150 ft by 100 ft and includes the names of over 400 local veterans.
Gary Murphy, one of the individuals who was instrumental in the memorial’s construction, was in attendance for the dedication. He believes the memorial is a sign to local veterans that civilians have a better understanding of the sacrifices and hardships veterans face both in and out of the service.
The featured speaker for the event was retired Air Force Colonel and Emporia State graduate Dr. Robert Hicks. Hicks spoke on many topics including what he likes to call Esther moments.
Hicks says you typically do not know when you are having such a moment until it is happening. Because of this, Hicks says people should always be willing to stand up and speak out for what they believe.
While the bulk of Veterans Day events are now wrapped up, there are still more activities to come in the KVOE listening area this upcoming weekend. Area activities will continue on Saturday with the annual Home of the Brave Celebration in Bushong. Activities will begin at 9 am and will include a World War II reenactment, church service and an auction.
There will be no food served due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Mask use and social distancing is highly encouraged at all events.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
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