The Memorial Day message was one of reverence and gratitude for the sacrifices of American soldiers past, present and future.
During Emporia’s annual ceremony at the All Veterans Memorial, Kansas Army National Guard Brigadier General Anthony Mohatt said soldiers shared a number of qualities that made them serve with honor.
The ceremony also featured an update on the Tablets of Honor additions, including new tablets and a new walking bridge. Spokesman Frank Lowery says the Tablets of Honor area is still expanding.
In addition, the ceremony featured a reading of names for veterans who died over the past year, a 21-gun salute and Taps.
The end of the program was delayed slightly as one gun salute member had a brief medical issue but was OK afterward.
Activities would later shift to Trowman Way as Emporia State University Director of Bands Gary Ziek picked up his trumpet to participate in a national tradition. Ziek played taps as part of Taps Across America a national initiative that sees musicians pick up their instruments and play taps at 3 pm their local time.
Ziek explains Taps Across America began back in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic canceled a number of Memorial Day events and activities.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
