Moments of solemnity permeated the rather damp atmosphere at Emporia’s annual Memorial Day service Monday.
Monday’s featured speaker, Vietnam veteran Bob Robison, focused his speech on the military exploits of his friend, the late Danny Peterson, during the Vietnam War.
Peterson was killed in battle trying to save several of his buddies.
Besides Taps and a gun salute, activities included several readings, including the poem “Flanders Field” and a list of veterans who have passed away over the last 12 months.
Veteran Frank Lowery also had an update on the Tablets of Honor portion of the All Veterans Memorial, saying 14 tablets are now complete with work underway on the 15th tablet.
Monday’s annual service activities were moved from the All Veterans Memorial to the Lyon County Fairgrounds due to rain chances, which materialized during the event.
Monday also served as a farewell for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1980 building as a handful of veterans gathered at 932 Graphic Arts. The post is now for sale, listing at $280,000 as the post grapples with changes in membership dynamics and lingering effects of financial issues dating back over 10 years in some cases. Both Post Commander Phil Sickler and Lowery say the post may no longer own the building, but the membership will remain active in the community.
Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day to honor the graves of Civil War soldiers before expanding after World War I to honor all soldiers who have died. Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971.
*Click here to see the video.
*Click here to see KVOE’s YouTube channel, including a YouTube Short from Monday’s activities.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
