GDELTKansas
Goldstein: 2.3Tone: 0.7
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.
Veterans honored at Mt. Calvary cemetery in Topeka
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.
Washburn University holds 39th annual Veterans Day ceremony
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Goldstein: 2.9Tone: 2.5
Bennington’s Veterans Day parade brings families out to honor those who served
BENNINGTON — Before the music and marching for the Bennington Veterans Day Parade reached Main Street, participants gathered on Scott Street to organize.
At 10:30 a.m., members of the Veterans Day parade gathered under a bright blue sky with the Mount Anthony Union High School marching band set to lead the way.
New band director, Dr. Gerry Lanoue, was busily tuning up and making sure the rows and columns were looking sharp.
This is my first parade in 30 years,” he said. “The kids are really excited; they look good.”
“We're playing the 'Patriotic Parade Sequence' and 'America the Beautiful,' arranged by former MAU band director, Marj Rooen.”
Retired Army veteran of 30 years and American Legion Post 13 member, Ralph Becker, was on his Harley as a member of the American Legion Riders. For Becker, riding in the parade was a sign of respect.
“I’m showing respect to the existing veterans and the soldiers that are serving this country now. I want to remind people that Veterans Day is just not any other holiday,” he said.
Chase Sullivan appreciated the chance, as Assistant Patrol Leader, to lead his troupe of Scouts while the patrol leader was busy playing in the band.
“This is a great opportunity to learn responsibility and how to lead people in troop,” he said. “We're here to respect all the people who fought for us and to show them we care about them and that we're here for them.”
From Scott Street, the parade moved down Safford Street, led by the Mount Anthony Marching Band. It turned right onto Main Street and progressed to the Four Corners before turning right onto North Street.
At VFW Post 1332, the procession paused for a three-volley salute, before continuing along North Street to its conclusion at the Vermont Veterans Home.
The salute connected the public celebration to a more solemn tradition. Its origins are commonly traced to battlefield pauses, when three shots signaled that the dead had been gathered and fighting could resume. Today, the three volleys are a ceremonial tribute of respect, largely symbolizing 'duty, honor, and country.' A brief speaker at the VFW reminded those assembled that freedom comes with a cost.
Along the route, members of the community had settled in chairs, lined the curbs, and stood waiting to support their veterans. For many watching along the route, the reason to come was direct and personal.
Taylor Wilkinson said she came to support veterans in the community and “just show that we care.” She watched with her young son, Jackson.
For others, there was a personal connection.
Judy Estees, a retired teacher, came out to enjoy the weather, the parade, and to honor service members.
“My dad was in the Navy during the Korean War, so I always think of him and my other relatives on this day,” she said.
Jim White of Shaftsbury came to support his grandson who is serving in the Army’s Third Infantry Brigade, and currently traveling between California and Georgia. White said he was proud to attend, and wished more people had come out.
The day also offered a chance for younger attendees to connect with the meaning of the holiday, rather than simply viewing it as a “day off.”
Fletcher Burnham, a fourth grader at Taconic Elementary, explained that Veterans Day was once known as Armistice Day. His family came to support veterans, while Fletcher’s sister Charlotte put it simply, “I’m here to support the veterans and celebrate them.”
Monique Martell traveled from Adams, Massachusetts, with her five-year-old daughter, Ella. With school out, they came to explore and learn. Martell said that the two like Bennington because it feels “more homey,” with more to do and more open space. Together, they watched with great excitement as the marching band moved past, followed by a bikers group, twirlers, youngsters doing cartwheels down the street, and then the fire trucks.
For Janel Burke, the parade held two family connections – her son Ben was playing percussion with the high school band, and her husband is on active duty with the Vermont Army National Guard.
“Just Veterans Day,” Burke said, was reason enough to come out and show support.
Together, the interviews of those present reflected the many ways that Veterans Day brought people to the route – to cheer on a participant of the parade, to stand with a family member in uniform, to teach children about service, or simply to show veterans that their community remembers them and wishes to honor their service.
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Goldstein: 1.9Tone: 3.7
“Veterans Helping Veterans and Their Families” is the 2026 Veterans Day theme. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, along with the Veterans Day National Committee, announces a particular theme each year to be the focus for a Veterans Day poster.
This year’s poster ties into the 250-year celebration of our country. The poster displays a current flag along with an early historical flag. The visual connects those who served in our time and all who served throughout our history, beginning with the revolutionary heroes who fought to establish our freedoms.
Veterans Day honors all who served in the United States Armed Forces. Each member, upon enlistment, takes an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the U.S. against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This solemn oath never expires, so veterans are bound together for life in being faithful to the Constitution.
Coincidentally, I was just channel-surfing and came across a documentary showing Elvis Presley taking the Oath of Enlistment. The program included clips of Elvis refusing any special treatment.
When his company went on winter field maneuvers, the colonel wanted to give him a three-week trip to Miami, Paris and Rome. Elvis refused the trip, saying it would not be right while others in his troop were sleeping in the snow.
The documentary had video clips of friends Elvis made in the service and how the experience bound them together. Joe Esposito met Elvis in the military, and they became lifelong friends. Joe was his right-hand man and road manager.
Looking at Elvis as a veteran gives new insight. It is interesting to see how someone so famous bonded with his troop mates. Johnny Lang knew Elvis in the military and wrote an entertaining account of their friendship. Read it at veteransbreakfastclub.org/my-friend-elvis.
Military ties that bind continue and extend to families for many decades after military service ends. This year calls awareness to that ongoing bond and support that veterans provide one another.
The VA chose 48 regional sites throughout the country, four being in California, to be official partners for Veterans Day observances. We are fortunate to have Merced Field of Honor — as Merced, California, was chosen as an official site for observance.
For the 14th year, Merced Sunrise Rotary Club set up the Field of Honor at 3600 M Street, Merced. It began on Nov. 7, but will remain until Nov. 14, so everyone still has time to visit the display.
The impressive exhibition of hundreds of American flags honors veterans, first responders and hometown heroes. Special recognition is given this year to those who served during the time of the Vietnam conflict.
According to their website, the Field of Honor “offers a place to reflect on the generations who served, sacrificed and helped preserve the freedoms we share.” At the center of the field is displayed a digitally remastered 4x6-foot reproduction of the Declaration of Independence.
The display reminds us of the ideals that gave birth to our nation and the people who carried them forth. We are reminded that we can never take our freedoms for granted.
Each flag represents a person with a story. Stroll among the flags. Read and reflect on the stories. Share your experience with others. Encourage them to visit The Field of Honor, which is free. All are invited.
Veterans helping veterans has done wonders for homeless veterans. Military.com reports a recent survey that shows veteran homelessness is falling by 8.2 percent in 2026. This is the biggest drop in 10 years. CalVet reports that in 2012, it was estimated that one-fourth of U.S. veterans were located in California. Since then, the number has been reduced by 50 percent.
Trauma and brain injury make it difficult for many veterans to maintain employment. CalVet provides outreach and support for homeless veterans in California. They work with several government and private organizations to provide services throughout the state. If you know a veteran who needs housing assistance, the number to call in California is 800-952-5626.
For Veterans Day, visit a veteran, check out a website about veterans or experience the Field of Honor. Choose something significant to do to honor veterans.
Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible. Contact janetmillerdp@yahoo.com .
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