EMPORIA (KSNT) – Those familiar with Kansas history know Emporia has a long-standing tradition of honoring those who served.
Emporia is home to many things, but it might be best known as the birthplace of Veterans Day. It began as Armistice Day after World War I as a day to recognize those who served during the Great War.
But an Emporia initiative in the 1950’s aimed to rename the day to Veterans Day in an effort to recognize all military veterans who have previously served. Then in 1954, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill, introduced by a Kansas congressman, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day, making Emporia the birthplace of the day.
The morning of Wednesday, Nov. 11 started off with the annual breakfast at the Presbyterian Manor. Men and women from all branches of the military came together as they connected through shared experiences.
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One Kansas native spent three years with the U.S. Army in the 60s during the Vietnam War era. This Veterans Day, he reflected with others on what this holiday means for him and the impact of giving back to the younger generation.
“I used to be a teacher, and then when I worked for the county, I approached that job just like I was teaching to let people understand what it is you’re doing,” said Gary Bost, an Army veteran. “And now that I’m retired, I work with kids with the essay contest and stuff, and I’m active in the Lions Club. And yeah, just you got to keep moving forward. ”
By 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 11, Emporia Main Street was filled with community members all gathered to honor local veterans across the Emporia and Lyon County area during the annual parade. Emporia State University, Emporia High, Olpe and other area schools marched among veterans of all ages.
At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, members of the Emporia community gathered at the All-Veterans Memorial for a service.
One current member of the Kansas Army National Guard, who served as Wednesday’s guest speaker, Michael McCoy, emphasized the bond between veterans but also highlighted the bond between the community and family members.
“I’ve often said that, you know, sometimes being the veteran is the easy part,” McCoy said. “You know, family members, friends, especially those that, you know, as the veteran gets is placed in harm’s way. I mean, there’s a lot of, you know, long, you know, long absences and maybe some, you know, again, if they’re in danger somewhere, you know, that weighs heavy on families, and it is difficult when, you know, father or brother, husband is gone for those families.”
After seeing community support and showing up at the ceremony and parade, McCoy said there’s no better place to be than Emporia on Veterans Day.
To conclude the ceremonial morning of honoring the over 41 million who have served our nation, members of the American Legion, the VFW and the municipal band ended with the traditional salute to the departed with taps and echoes.
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