On November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m., the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, memorial gestures took place universally to recognize the ending of World War I fighting. In 1926, November 11 was officially named Armistice Day through a congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was "the War to end all Wars," November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe.
In 1953, Emporian Alvin J. King proposed that Armistice Day be changed to Veterans Day to recognize and honor all veterans from all wars and conflicts. Veterans Day was first organized and celebrated in Emporia in 1953. Kansas Congressman Ed Rees, also an Emporian, then took King’s proposal to Congress, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, also of Kansas, signed the bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. The first nationwide observance of Veterans Day was on November 11, 1954.
Every year now, the President of the United States urges all Americans to honor the commitment of our Veterans through appropriate public ceremonies.
Events, Exhibits, Luminaries, Souvenirs, & more...
*All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Thursday, October 1- Monday, November 8
Veteran Artist Gallery Exhibit, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Come and see all of the Veteran art displayed at the Emporia Arts Center.
Sunday, November 7
Freedom Fest Run/Walk, 7:00 a.m., Starts at Sodens Grove. Register online at emporiamainstreet.org, click registration.
Monday, November 8
Veteran Artist Gallery Exhibit Reception, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy a food and beverage reception and view all of the Veteran art displayed at the Emporia Arts Center.
Tuesday, November 09
Night at the Museum, 7:00 p.m., Lyon Co. Hist. Museum.
Wednesday, November 10
Business Salute to Veterans Luncheon, 11:45 a.m., American Legion.
Thursday, November 11
Veterans Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Presbyterian Manor.
Veterans Day Parade, 9:30 a.m., Commercial St.
Memorial Service, 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park.
Ham & Bean Feed, noon, American Legion & VFW, Donations are encouraged & appreciated.
Friday, November 12
Veterans Recognition & USO Show, 7:30 p.m., ESU-Albert Taylor Hall. Tickets are free and available at the Chamber & Visitors Bureau, 719 Commercial St. Donations are encouraged & appreciated. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 14
Student Essay & Poster Contest Awards Ceremony, "True American Hero: Story of a Veteran", 2:00 p.m., Emporia Middle School.
Monday, November 15
Golden Corral Dinner, 5:00 p.m., Golden Corral, Free to Veterans only.
Visit Emporia's Veterans Memorials:
All Veterans Memorial, 933 S. Commercial.
Civil War Veterans Monument, Fremont Park, 4th & Union and Maplewood & Memorial Lawn Cemetaries, 2000 Prairie.
Mexican-American WWII Veterans Memorial, 205 S. Lawrence.
Spanish-American War Memorial, S. Neosho & Kansas Ave. in Peter Pan Park.
Veterans Hall of Honor, Emporia State University, Memorial Union. Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
Additional events and community exhibits are being planned; be sure to check back for additional information as it is available, or contact the Chamber & Visitors Bureau at 800-279-3730.
Supporting Veterans Organizations
All Veterans Tribute 2010 supporters:
5 Star-Underwriter:
4 Star-Patrons:
3 Star-Sponsors:
2 Star-Supporters:
1 Star-Supporters:
Additional Supporters:
Luminaries
In honor of the Veterans, on the evening of the Veterans Recognition & USO Show, luminaries will line Kellogg Circle on the Emporia State University campus.
Luminaries are $10 for the first and $5 each additional, purchased at the same time. Available at the Emporia Chamber & Visitors Bureau, 719 Commercial St.
Veteran’s Profiles
The Visitors Bureau is collecting Veteran’s Profiles to recognize Veterans. For a Veteran’s Profile form, contact the Chamber & Visitors Bureau at (800) 279-3730, (620) 342-1803 or visitors@emporiakschamber.org.
Click here to see a complete list of the Veteran's Profiles. (Coming Soon!)
Veterans Administration Health Center -- Patient Care Needs
Comfort Items: Combs, Hair Brushes, Deodorant, Shaving Lotions, Shaving Cream, Disposable twin blade safety razors, Dental floss, Denture adhesive, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes (Soft Bristle), Shampoo, Hair Gel, Body Powder, and Hand & Body Lotion.
Bingo Prizes: Nylon Wallets, Pocket-size Notepads, Candy Bars, Snack Crackers, Travel Games, Crossword Puzzle Books, Word Find Books, Address Books, and Playing Cards.
Clothing Items - MUST BE NEW: Ball Caps, Jeans, Shirts, Tennis Shoes, Jackets & Coats, Gloves, Stocking Caps, Socks, and Underwear (shorts & T-shirts).
Food Items: Popcorn (microwave or regular), Coffee (3-lb cans).
Other Items: Postage Stamps, Greeting Cards, Pre-paid Phone Cards, Notepads, Business-sized Envelopes, Paperback Books, Hardback Books (Current Releases), Newspaper & Magazine subscriptions for Patient Library, and good used luggage and tote bags.
Note: These items are distributed to inpatient programs as well as outpatient programs for our Veterans. You may leave your donation at the Emporia Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau, 719 Commercial, during regular business hours (MON-FRI, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)
.....Back
