Emporia’s place as the founding city of Veterans Day will be more prominent, thanks to Jesse Solis.
Solis has been on a mission to raise money for the manufacture and display of signs designating Emporia as the holiday’s birthplace. The mission, he said, has been a resounding success.
“It’s going fantastic,” Solis said. “Our veterans have stepped up to the plate, and Emporians have stepped up to the plate. It’s as simple as that.”
The money Solis has raised will go to buy four signs, with each to be placed at one of the entrances to the city. At $1,100 each, he originally had limited the project to two signs, but the response he has received from interested donors will allow for twice that many.
Solis said he has received donations from a number of people and organizations, including Steve Sauder, Steve Corbin, the Sunrise Rotary Club, the VFW and the Sertoma Club, which will be offering train rides at Soden’s Grove Park this Saturday and Sunday. Proceeds from the train rides will go toward the signs. Many others have donated, and Solis wishes to thank them all.
“I’m excited,” he said. “We’re getting close to our goal as far as money is concerned.”
To arrange for the signs, Solis has been in contact with Lee Holmes, the state traffic signage engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation, who provided the information and paperwork to get the project rolling. One stipulation for the signs is the requirement of an official request from the city commission, which just went through.
“I went up to the city not long ago to take a contribution up there, and Mr. Zimmerman informed me that the commissioners were ready to get that letter submitted to Mr. Holmes,” Solis said. “I was glad to hear that because I didn’t know where we were at.”
The signs will be put up at each of Emporia’s main entrances — Highway 99 at the north and south ends of town and Highway 50 at the east and west ends of town.
To introduce the signs to the public, Solis said he wants to arrange an official unveiling.
“I think we’re going to pay for one and have it made and ready and have some kind of celebration at the All Veterans Memorial Park,” Solis said. “And then we’ll go ahead and have the other three made.” He hopes to have the unveiling this coming Veterans Day.
Solis has been active in recognizing veterans in many ways through the years, including arranging for the Braille flags that have been placed in locations throughout the state. His dedication to honoring veterans is the reason Emporia needs these signs, he said.
“I know that our veterans are the reason that we have our freedom, we have businesses and that we’re in existence, actually, and if it wasn’t for the veterans we wouldn’t be able to do this,” he said. “I thought it was time that we let the world know that we’re proud of this, and our veterans need to be recognized.”
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
"His dedication to honoring veterans is the reason Emporia needs these signs, he said."
what the hell does that mean, solis, are you kissing your own ass, sure sounds like it to me, just make sure your name is put on each of the signs so everyone will know who did it so that they can thank you personally.
August 12, 2009 at 8:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
It'd be cool if they said somethin' like "Anonymously Donated By Jesse Solis". That would be cool.
August 12, 2009 at 8:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
o.k.
I see another quote correction comming soon from the Gazette reporter.
August 12, 2009 at 8:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
justaflushaway,
You may not want to hear this, but you and I think almost exactly alike,(Judging by our posts).
That said, I think you ought to give Jessie a break.
You don't have to like the messenger, Just don't shoot him.
I am glad someone stepped up with this idea, vet or not.
There has to be a point man on projects like this and I don't think Jessie has anything to gain from stepping up, and I would like to thank him for it.
August 12, 2009 at 8:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blulitespecial (anonymous) says...
"I am glad someone stepped up with this idea, vet or not"
That says it for me,too.
August 12, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RalphTebbetts (anonymous) says...
It appears to me that a few people are upset with themselves for not thinking of this, and jealous that they're not getting the credit for this Honorable Cause.
Just a thought, Next time either "Step-Up or Shut-Up" !!!
Keep up the good work Jessie !!!
August 13, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I could care less about some signs or who is responsible for them, I had a funny thought and decided to share it, it's kinda my thing. Sorry if I offended anyone. I am a veteran by the way, a funny one at that.
Spc. Seriously R. Folks
August 13, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )