Photo by Michael K. Dakota
Martha Bolz prepares to take a photo of her husband in the color guard. Keegan Crawford and his father Bruce Crawford salute as the American flag is paraded down Commercial Street.
Photo by Michael K. Dakota
A tank rolled through Commercial today for the annual Veteran's Day parade.
Like many veterans, the Rev. James Akers, chaplain for American Legion Post No. 5, can remember a couple of times where he might not be alive — when his service could have taken his life. But, also like many veterans, he is here to tell the story and share it with others and help those here to never forget the service that veterans gave.
Akers spoke Wednesday in honor of Veterans Day at the All Veterans Memorial. Emporia, the founding city of Veterans Day, held a parade in the morning and a Veterans Day service at the All Veterans Memorial near Soden’s Grove. For Emporia, and around the country, Wednesday was a day to remember and honor those who have served the United States and those who have given all or some to provide freedom for others.
The memorial service, as a part of the Veterans Day tribute, was held on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — Veterans Day. During the Veterans Day tribute ceremony, Akers said he, like many veterans, could recall on at least two occasions that he might not have survived. Akers said he thanks God for allowing him to live this long and he shared a message:
“If you’re still here on this earth, it means your work is not finished,” he said.
Speaking to a lawn packed full of veterans, families, dignitaries and the general public, Akers said the All Veterans Memorial is a special place.
“This is a beautiful place,” he said. “It still is and always will be. ... Here in the home of Veterans Day. It’s a fitting place and a fitting tribute to those who served. ... The souls of those who have gone on before us are with us in this place today.”
Akers said veterans are ordinary people who did extraordinary things.
“They are young and old, rich and poor and come in many colors,” Akers said. “But are men and women who have served. ... Everyone sacrificed something so we can enjoy the freedom that we have today.”
And that service doesn’t end when a member of the service takes that uniform off, Akers said.
“There is always a place for us,” he said.
Akers also pointed out that America is still in conflict and that the nation is still at war.
“Today they serve as volunteers,” he said. “In my day some were volunteers and some were not volunteers. But we always served with pride.”
Kansas Lt. Gov. Troy Findley followed Akers’ address to the group. Findley spoke of the recent shooting at Fort Hood, Texas.
“Less than a week ago we learned of the tragedy of Fort Hood,” he said, adding that a fort isn’t just a place, it’s a community. He reminded the crowd of the people who lost their lives at Fort Hood, those who saved lives, those wounded and those who were critically wounded.
Findley also reminded people of the service veterans provide to the country.
“They loyalty to the country is unparalleled,” he said.
Four years ago, the Kansas Military Bill of Rights was enacted in Kansas, Findley said. The bill was enacted to help military families with things like buying their first new home and keeping benefits if a family member falls in duty.
“Kansas will always strive to be the most friendly military state in the nation,” Findley said.
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