All Veterans Tribute activities are truly into their core period.
After the Veterans Artist Gallery exhibit opened last week, attention moved to the All Veterans Memorial and Soden’s Grove for the 19th rendition of Freedom Fest. This was the biggest one yet, with the Dynamic Discs Freedom Fest Open, Gravel City Adventure and Supply Freedom Rides, Vigilance Martial Arts Ruckmarch and Run, Leap of Faith Martial Arts Warrior Spur Challenge and Lyon County State Bank Freedom Run/Walk/Stroll
Longtime organizer Steve Harmon says there was a good turnout, both locally and elsewhere.
Soldiers from the Emporia National Guard unit — Company A, First Battalion, 635th Armored Regiment — were also on hand in abundance, including Sgt. First Class Jessica Lane. She says the National Guard has an overseas and domestic role.
Lane’s daughter, Hazel, led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance — but she was just as excited to talk about her mom’s role in the military.
Over 200 people registered for the various activities, although the morning weather limited on-site attendance.
After the traditional activities, re-enactors depicted a World War II battle at the old Kansas Highway 99 bridge.
Veterans Day is Friday, and a lot is happening in Emporia leading up to the holiday:
*The Honor a Veteran blood drive is from 12-6 pm Monday at the American Legion Post 5
*Two events are coming Wednesday, including a free screening of the movie “Go For Broke” at 7 pm at the Lyon County History Center and the Veterans Roundtable starting at 7:30 pm at the Emporia State Memorial Union Preston Family Room. The featured speaker for this year’s roundtable will be Army veteran Mike Yoho who served two tours of duty in Iraq and spent the majority of his career as part of a line unit specializing in “route clearance.”
*On Veterans Day, there is the parade at 9:30 am along Commercial Street, followed by the memorial service at 11 am at the All Veterans Memorial, ham and bean feeds at the Legion and VFW Post 7957 and the Josh Gracin concert at 7 pm at the Emporia Granada Theatre.
