Parade, memorial service and repatriation of fallen Emporia soldier highlight 2024 Veterans Day schedule

Monday was a time of reflection and celebration of the sacrifices of servicemen and women past and present for our nation.

As always, Emporia, the founding city of Veterans Day, had a full slate of activities to commemorate the holiday, including the annual memorial service at the Emporia All Veterans Memorial. Beginning the service was Retired Col. Lesley Hedges, who offered a prayer of gratitude for all veterans.

The featured speaker for the event was Nona Gail Mihecoby the daughter of Commance Code Talker and Army Technician 5th Grade Wellington Mihecoby and an auxiliary member of the Commanche Indian Veterans Association. During her comments, Nona Mihecoby stated she first learned of her father’s service in 2002.

Miechoby went to also express her pride in all of the Commanche Code Talkers for their service and dedication to their country.

Mihecoby’s speech was a fitting addition to the morning’s activities as November is also Native American Heritage Month. During Monday’s memorial service, Gold Star Mother Maria Lane took time to shed light on another important event on the day’s schedule the repatriation of US Army Sgt. John Owen Herrick whose remains were returned to Emporia the week prior from Normandy, France after 80 years.

The repatriation service saw hundreds of residents, veterans and military personnel fill Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery to pay their respects to Sgt. Herrick and his family. Among the family in attendance was Herrick’s niece Kathleen Lamb who had previously spoken with KVOE News about the occasion.

Lamb says she and her family are grateful to have him back “where he belongs” in his hometown of Emporia. She also noted that while the news of his discovery and return were moments of excitement and joy for her family, there are still thousands of families waiting to receive the same news.

She hopes Monday’s ceremony will inspire families to believe that their loved ones will return home one day.