The Founding City of Veterans Day once again showed up in full force to commemorate the holiday and honor those who have laid their lives on the line for our country Wedenesday.
Activities, as always, began with the annual parade down Commercial Street, with nearly 60 entries included and the sidewalks almost filled. Once the parade wrapped up, attention shifted to the Emporia All Veterans Memorial for the Veterans Day memorial service.
Kansas National Guard Brigadier General Mike McCoy was the featured speaker and noted that the country has a relatively simple definition for a veteran.
McCoy noted, however, that every veteran and their families know there is much more to service than just that.
McCoy also thanked his fellow servicemen and women for their sacrifice and courage for our country, both while in uniform and after, as he noted many who serve in the military continue to serve in other ways once their time in the service comes to an end.
In addition to McCoy, the ceremony also included a message from Gold Star Mother Maria Lang, a gun salute and the playing of Taps. Towards the end of the ceremony, All Veterans Memorial Tablets of Honor organizer Frank Lowery offered an update on the project, saying the 15th tablet is now in place.
Activities then shifted to the Legion for lunch courtesy of the American Legion Auxiliary. All Veterans Tribute activities will culminate Saturday with the Quilts of Gratitude Ceremony at the Lyon County Fairgrounds Anderson Building beginning at 1 pm.
Photos by KVOE News Team
