People in Emporia enjoyed a perfect Kansas day as they participated in activities to give thanks to the veterans who have served our country. Government officials from Gov. Sam Brownback to U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp were on hand to help commemorate veterans in the holiday’s founding city.
The featured speaker at the memorial ceremony late Friday morning was Steve Bucci, a retired Army colonel who formerly was Assistant Secretary for Homeland Defense during the George W. Bush administration. In addition to spending 28 years on active duty, Bucci is the son, father and husband of veterans.
In his remarks at the service at the All Veterans Memorial, Bucci noted that if Emporians hadn’t created Veterans Day, the holiday it replaced — Armistice Day — likely would be forgotten by now.
“When I was asked to come to Emporia I was excited, because to get out of Washington and do something real and meaningful and puts you in contact ... with the people who are the real America, the heart of this country, literally, it’s an amazing opportunity,” Bucci said.
Bucci noted the legacy Emporia carries as the founding city of Veterans Day and the gift of the commemoration to the country.
“Because of this community, this day will never fade in our memory because it will always be here to honor those that have served this nation,” he said.
Friday’s events had begun with a parade featuring representatives of the branches of service, marching bands from around the area and local groups offering their thanks to all veterans.
After the parade, Veterans Day observers moved to the All Veterans Memorial for a memorial ceremony to thank those who have served. First Sgt. Steve Harmon of the Kansas Army National Guard opened the ceremony, welcoming city, county, state and national officials as well as citizens and veterans.
Following Harmon’s remarks, the U.S. flag was raised at the memorial by a color guard led by Harold Zibell, a Vietnam veteran and commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1980 in Emporia.
“This is a very special day and a very special service,” Harmon said. “This is the day we honor our veterans and those who are family members of veterans.”
One guest speaker for the ceremony was Maria Lane, mother of Army Spc. David Lane of Emporia, who died in 2007 while serving in Iraq.
“When I thought about what I wanted to say today, I looked at our American flag for inspiration,” Lane said. “I think of how many men and women have sacrificed their lives and changed ours. All of you have, in your service to the country, given up the comforts of home, family and friends.”
Lane is a member of the American Gold Star Mothers, a national organization for mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of the country. She related the great amount of support she has received from her family, friends and those who served alongside her son.
“You have found strength and courage in those who fought beside you,” she said in her address to veterans. “From the beginning, our rights to remain a free nation have been fought by men and women like yourselves, and your service to our country will never be forgotten.”
Rep. Tim Huelskamp told the story of a World War II veteran from McPherson whose humility about his service represents that of all who risk their lives in the service. While he was a decorated veteran, the soldier didn’t want recognition for his deeds.
“Just like many of the heroes here today, he didn’t want anybody to know about it,” Huelskamp said. “I would say to each veteran here: please, I know your service is an act of humility, but I also ask you, in addition to being humble as you are as heroes, to recognize that there are many of us who have not heard the stories that you have to tell. So please share those stories. Those stories deserve to live on. ...”
Huelskamp’s brief address was followed by remarks from Gov. Sam Brownback, who commented on the setting of the service at the All Veterans Memorial and surrounded by a backdrop of cottonwoods, the state tree.
“This couldn’t be any better,” Brownback said. “To celebrate Veterans Day in the community that started Veterans Day is a fabulous thing to be at. Thank you for giving this to America.”