paulkersey (anonymous) says...

Hell, lets cancel the war because of weather too...

I absolutely disagree with the parade cancellation. Are we now going to cancel the Christmas parade if its cold?

November 11, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

slipandslide (anonymous) says...

we enjoyed seeing the horses while they were in town.

November 11, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

offc_grl76 (anonymous) says...

I could understand if Budweiser didnt want the horses in the parade but why cancel the rest of the parade. Our troops go to war in all kinds of weather and the founding city of Veteran's Day cancels the parade that honors our brave men and women.

November 11, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hillbilly (anonymous) says...

unbelievable!!!!!!!

Who made this decision? this parade has been held in the worst weather and I have NEVER heard a Veteran of a Foreign War ever complain, but maybe it was because they were proud of what they did, I don't think the weather stopped anyone in WW1 or did it stop any Veterans during WW2 and it sure the hell didn't stop Combat veterans in Vietnam nor has it stopped the war in Iraq, Please print the name of the person who made this call!!! No doubt he or she were never out of there little office and were never involved in the field or bush or the heat. Just think how many WW2 veterans and others who look forward to this parade every year, not caring about the wind rain or cold, this is their day and as when they were young and in the military they pushed on, just as they would of this Veterans day for the parade. EMPORIA, founding city of Veterans day and cant even have a parade for the veterans a day that is 45 degrees and cloudy. WHAT A SHAME, I am so sorry Veterans, that some one with no thought of the real veteran would make such and dumb a$$ decision.

November 11, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hillbilly (anonymous) says...

I went to the KVOE website and found the following, hell this explains it, Sanderson was probably a lawyer during the Vietnam war, hope a few get to see this post before the gazette pulls it to protect the judge, what a shame . maybe next year it will be in the summer time with partly cloudy day and 72 degrees and no rain anywhere,

""On KVOE's Morning Show on Tuesday, organizer John Sanderson said it was a tough call but necessary with cool temperatures, showers in the forecast and a noticeable wind.""

what a sorry excuse, hope the Chamber of Commerce don't cancel the Christmas Parade because of cool weather, snow in the forecast and noticeable wind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 11, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

prettyblues (anonymous) says...

At 8:30 this morning it was 46 degrees are you kidding me...and not too mention it was not even raining. I've lived here all my life and growing up I can remember walking in parades that it was snowing and it was about 5 degrees did they cancel and worry about all the small children in the parade no!!! I can't believe it EMPORIA...founding city of Veterans Day and you cancel it because of a few spinkles real smart! Not knowing the parade was canceled my son and I were up this morning and in town to find a parking spot and ready too support our american heros in the parade after waiting 30 minutes and found out it was canceled!

November 11, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

OutsiderJ (anonymous) says...

Comparing junior high and high school bands and cheerleaders and the paraders to combat troops in various wars is a little bit of a stretch don't you think. It is disappointing that they cancelled the parade, but a decision had to made and it was made. If you want to be supportive you could still go to the memorial service or the bean feed, its not like they cancelled Veteran's Day. I for one don't feel any less proud of my service or any less honored by Emporia because the parade was cancelled. I am a little sorry for the children of Emporia because nothing quite tops a parade when you are a kid.

As far as attacking Mr. Sanderson, who I am fairly sure is a vet, because he made an unpopular decision--grow up!

November 11, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...

I'm sure the Vets feel appreicated knowing Emporia does not think enough of what they have done for us all to even get a little wet and cold, I am embarrassed and shamed to be a life long resident of Emporia, All one has to do is look on the interent to see parades in other cities still being held, EVEN IN THE RAIN to honor their Vets. Emporia should be ashamed of itself on this day, we have let our Veterans down.

November 11, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

vankamp (anonymous) says...

Is there a reason why the parade is during the week and not on a weekend when more people would be able to come? I realize that today is the official Veteran's Day but it would be nice if the parade was on a weekend.

November 11, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

old_soldier (anonymous) says...

I'll bet marching bands and cheerleaders would be standing in the rain/cold for a football game. I'll also bet that if you asked them, they would have happily said "hell yeah, we'll do it."

Stupid decision to cancel this.

November 11, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

paulkersey (anonymous) says...

"Comparing junior high and high school bands and cheerleaders and the paraders to combat troops in various wars is a little bit of a stretch don't you think."

My Grandpa was 16 when he joined the army in 1944. He turned 17 on Utah Beach.

November 11, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cassity123 (anonymous) says...

what wusses. This female vet is disappointed. Do you think we cancelled when our country called us? Rain may be wet but I saw other vets in the rain SADLY walking away. My hats off to you gentlemen and women.

November 11, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Hillbilly (anonymous) says...

outsider, no one else made the decision except Sanderson, and I will make a comment about his dumb a$$ idea, don't think that is attacking, but maybe again you were a pencil pusher also, only you know, hope that wasn't a attack on you!! if you feel that way, but your big girl panties on and deal with it

November 11, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

madpoet (anonymous) says...

I was disappointed they cancelled it considering how bitter cold it has been during Christmas Parades of the past. I wish it was on a weekend, too. I thought of taking a vacation day just to take my little boy but his daycare was going to go so I didn't. I'm sure glad I didn't waste a vacation day! I wonder how many people did, though. It's pretty miserable out there but people could choose if they wanted to go or not. I thought our right to choose was what veterans fought for.

November 11, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

bldman (anonymous) says...

What the F over. First, we have no fireworks display on the 4th of July then the Veterans Day parade is canceled because of a light intermittent rain. Emporia really loves their troops. I wear my black hat one day a year, you know the one that says Combat Veteran; maybe I should stomp on it and treat it the way we were treated today in the Founding City. I was in Iraq two years ago when they had the big Anniversary celebration. It made me proud when I heard about it. Today I am not proud I am disgusted.

November 11, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

I remember the stories my husband told me about the monsoon season in Vietnam. Incredible non-stop rain day after day and your feet would rot from being wet in your boots for so long.

This is so sad to call this, of all parades, on account of what I see to be light rain. I think I'll take a flower down to the helicopter.

Semper Fidelis!

November 11, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

OutsiderJ (anonymous) says...

Hillbilly-- I notice you use words like "they" and you apologize to Veterans, but you don't say we or us. That strongly indicates that you never served. I most certainly served, both stateside and overseas and on the seas as hospital corpsman in the world's finest navy, and I did it because I believed in serving the country I loved. And the fact that you would be selective in which vets you honor, labelling those that disagree with you as pencil pushers and lawyers is pretty low. A real vet knows that every link in the chain is vital, and all service is honorable and necessary. I didn't do it for a parade, or a thank you from you or anyone else. It is nice to be honored for the contributions you make to the advancement and continuation of the freedoms we enjoy in America, but as I said before the lack of a parade does not dimish my service in any way. If you are so disappointed by the cancellation of the parade, I guess you will also have to, " put your big girl panties on and deal with it." You'll just have to wait a month to get the free candy thrown out at the parade, which I suspect is the source of your disappointment.

Any veteran that served to be honored on Veteran's Day was serving for the wrong reasons. Since you posted at 10:30 I doubt you are at the memorial service in the little theater as I type this, and I think this is by far a higher honor than a parade. So if you are really into honoring veterans, you should be a part of the memorial service, or make a contribution at the bean feed the VFW is putting on today. I wish I could be there, but alas I have to be at work. Despite that I will still spend the day thinking of my father and the sacrifices he made serving in Vietnam, and continues to make as Agent Orange deteriorates his health to this day. I will spend the day recounting the good times and good buddies both living and dead, I was fortunate enough to know and serve with. Same as I do every year. And it is enough for me to honor and remember, with or without Budweiser horses and marching bands.

November 11, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

truthornot (anonymous) says...

What can a person say! Since we are in the flu season maybe it is for the best that we all stay indoors on these rainy cool days. But as AMERICANS WE NEED TO HONOR OUR VETS FOR A JOB A WELL DONE IN ALL WARS AND WARS TO COME TO KEEP OUR FREEDOM. This is the reason for this day. So with or without a parade everyday can be Veterans Day. To be thankful for the women and men who have gave and is giving their lives for our freedom. May you all have a GREAT DAY.

November 11, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Flips (anonymous) says...

I'm very sorry that the Veterans Day parade was canceled in Emporia--But I also feel we need to honor our veterans & our active military every day of the year in what ever manner we are able to do so! And pray for them each day also!
I'm so proud that Branson, Mo. honors veterans all year -but also with a special week also!
www.bransonveterans.com

November 11, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cookatwork (anonymous) says...

I was quite disappointed when, after sitting and waiting for 45 minutes, my daughter and I heard on the radio that the parade was cancelled. There were a LOT of people waiting downtown for this parade.

I thought, well the weather is a strange reason to cancel the parade - I remember about 17 years ago that it was so cold and raining, during the Christmas parade that the street and sidewalks were slick. THAT didn't stop anyone from coming out and celebrating - it just brought out more vendors with hot chocolate. I have marched in parades with worse weather - MUCH worse.

Since my daughter didn't get to see the parade that her class had been talking about, we sat and talked about the reason for the parade. Her comment was... at 6 years old... I am glad that they fought for our freedom and I am sad for those that died. It is good to remember them all!

I, too, am thankful for all those that gave up a part of their lives and those that gave their lives to fight for this countries freedoms. Thank you to all of our service men and women!

November 11, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

joecitizen (anonymous) says...

Who put Sanderson in charge of the parade anyways? I'll plan it next year, and we won't have this problem. This and other things should be rain or shine events, barring maybe a tornado, or some serious risk to public safety. From Mr. Sanderson's office window in the courthouse , he could have had a nice warm view of others enjoying the parade. fact is, this man is so used to thinking he knows everything, and judging everyone, he didn't stop to think about anyone else. the parade is not any one group, or participant, but the sum of it's parts. If any one participant decides not to participate, then we'll miss you, maybe you'll make it next time. the show goes on. Shame on you Mr. Sanderson, no honor in you today!! when all you Bible Bashing Baby Boomers die off, maybe we can get something done around here!!

November 11, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

RalphTebbetts (anonymous) says...

I too am also saddened by this because I was to be in the parade representing the Kansas Army National Guard. However, we can still come together as a comunity and show our support for our troops. Lets start filling those CARE PACKAGE Boxs If anyone has questions about what to send or where you can donate, just call the Fraternal Order Of Eagles #2587 at 620-342-1553 or contact me at 620-757-5633

November 11, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

82ABN (anonymous) says...

Is it possible to reschedule the parade for this weekend? Many people would like to attend who had to work today, anyway. Invite a member of congress, perhaps?... They couldn't be everywhere today, either.

November 11, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justthinkin (anonymous) says...

I'm sad too that the parade was cancelled. As far as moving it to the weekend.... well, that's like moving the Fourth of July, or Christmas, or New Years...... If we did that, we'd be just like those that move Cinco de Mayo to the weekend (and I've seen THAT happen and I never could figure that one out, either). Emporia should be ashamed of the decision. As far as the Clydesdales - they have a good life, and if it is in their contract to not appear in certain weather, so be it, but I don't see why that should affect an event. Guess in my next life I should come back as one of them - or at least get their agent.

November 11, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

aftsd (anonymous) says...

We are originally from Emporia but are now stationed in Nebraska. Bellevue, NE celebrates Veteran's Day with a parade on the Saturday prior to. There has always been a huge turnout! Because Bellevue schools were in session today, it would have been impossible to have the crowds they did. Makes us proud of the support! Maybe a suggestion for upcoming years.

November 11, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

rox_alan (anonymous) says...

Well I'm happy that I'm not the only one that was disappointed and have the same feelings about the cancellation. First the 4th of July and now today and very possibly the Christmas Parade well what is Emporia coming too. We won't have any enjoyment to look forward to cause our City representatives is taking it away from us. I understand the Clydesdale not being able to come because of their gear might get damaged with the weather but again no reason to cancel the whole parade.... Shame on the coordinator for making that decision just cause he didn't want to get wet....

November 11, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

joecitizen (anonymous) says...

good thing sour grapes sanderson wasn't in charge of the craft fair and chalk fest. despite much worse conditions, the good people of the emporia area came out, and though i got wet, i still had a blast. The stuck in the muds that seem to be running things are cancelling everything, and watch, people will start not planning to attend these kind of events, and then these event executioners will cry about how attendance to public events is poor.

apparently to judge grumpy pants, this parade was never about our veterans. so the clydesdales couldn't come, so what. sanderson reminds me of a little brat kid, who got beat in the game, and pulled the "i'm taking my toys and going home" temper tantrum.

With judgement like that, our legal system is in trouble.

November 11, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hottopics (anonymous) says...

Everything that is fun or worth while in this town is going.....going....gone. The spirit of Emporia is fading away. How sad is that.

November 11, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justthefacts (anonymous) says...

my understanding was many of the vets are older and it's not wise to risk the lousy weather for them. They moved the service indoors. It was in the news yesterday. It's easy to second guess when you are sitting in the cheap seats. I'll be glad to see all of you who know better volunteering and donating your time and money for next year's activities.

November 11, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

zeus (anonymous) says...

What's wrong with the cheap seats? That's where some of the hardest working Americans in this great country always sit. Now I'm sure you and Judge Grumpy would have had a nice view from the ivory tower but as far as the supporters of the parade we would have sat through worse weather. Ask any vet old or young if 45 degrees would have bothered them, PLEASE!!!!! Once again Notthefacts strikes again.

November 12, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

flinthillsmom (anonymous) says...

I want to express along with the many who have said how sad it is that the home of Veterans Day canceled the parade. I know many look forward to it each year especially the veterans we honor. What were the people in charge thinking? Or maybe I should say not thinking. I talked with family in eastern USA and they had really bad, nasty weather but still had their parades. I have been at the Veterans Day parade when it was so cold and nasty that we about froze. It certainly didn't dampen our spirits and it appeared those actually in the parade were happy to be there. Of all events this is one that should never be canceled unless we have a tornado, blizzard or flood.

November 12, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaE (anonymous) says...

What a shame.

Weather in Kansas cancelled a parade? Are you kidding me? What's the saying...if you don't like the Kansas weather, wait 5 minutes.

And, again, I seriously wonder about Emporia starting Veterans Day. Maybe an Emporian started it, but the City of Emporia has not lived up to that man's vision and therefore should not claim title to starting it. At all. Mr. King is the only one who deserves any claim.

Oh, and OutsiderJ, I truly loved your post. It made me smile.

Melissa

November 12, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justthefacts (anonymous) says...

Hard working Americans would volunteer and roll up their sleeves and make all these things happen instead of wasting all their energy complaining here and slamming others with a different point of view. Why do all keep blaming the city when they do nothing but provide services such as public safety, traffic control, public works *barricades* and such at no cost to the organizers. The city isn't budgeting any of this stuff other than the old amount to fund fireworks. An maybe instead of "cheap seats" I should have used the term "peanut gallery."

November 12, 2008 at 11:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

joecitizen (anonymous) says...

justtheacts

you pompous elitist snob. the city didn't cancel it, and i think few are blaming them. the city does a wonderful job of providing the logistics for public events, and are not to fault in this. that fault lies with the one man, who's poor judgment disapointed so many who enjoy participating in these events.
what i believe everyone is really saying, is we are disappointed that this was cancelled, we question the validity of the reasons given, and are frustrated that things like this are done to us, without our input.
all who disagreed with the cancelation have plainly stated that they would have gladly endured whatever discomforts for the 15 min. parade. it was the same as with the fireworks display, it was done to us, without our input. when they broke the news about tthat, everyone said they would have donated to the cause, if they had been given the opportunity. come next year, see if there isn't tons of money donated, and if we don't have a spectacular fireworks display.
we all just want a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. More things like this should be put on the ballot for us to decide.

now come down off your high horse, and see how the real world lives

November 13, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

OutsiderJ (anonymous) says...

Thank you Melissa. I liked yours too.

And I thought you might like to know that you are technically correct. Emporia did not start Veteran's Day. It simply renamed Armistice Day, which was a holiday set up to honor WW I vets in the 1920's. It was always on November 11th. Emporians started calling it Veterans Day in the 1950's to be more inclusive of Vets in other wars. Congress picked up on the idea and Armistice Day got a new name. This outlandish claim that Emporia started a new holiday to honor veterans and is somehow more patriotic than other cities in America is bogus.

http://www.geocities.com/amlegion.geo...
http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/uni...

November 13, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

paulkersey (anonymous) says...

"This outlandish claim that Emporia started a new holiday to honor veterans and is somehow more patriotic than other cities in America is bogus."

Especially considering how Emporia celebrated St. Patrick's Day, Cinco De Mayo, Mexican Independence Day, and not the 4th of July or Veteran's Day.

Five words: Night Of The Long Knives...

November 13, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )