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Celebrate America's Heroes in the founding city of Veterans Day

All Veterans Tribute

Monday, November 4, 2024 to Monday, November 11, 2024

Emporia, KS - Multiple venues, see schedule below

Emporia is the Official Founding City of Veterans Day! Join us in November for a multi-day celebration to remember and honor our military veterans, including our traditional Veterans Day Parade.

Schedule of Events

Dates TBA

Quilts of Gratitude Quilt Exhibit
Emporia Public Library, 110 E. 6th Avenue
EPL hours

Dates TBA

Veteran Artists Gallery Exhibit
Emporia Arts Center, 815 Commercial Street
EAC hours

Dates TBA

Veteran Artist Opening Reception
Emporia Arts Center, 815 Commercial Street
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm;
5:15 Awards Presentation

Date TBA

Freedom Fest
Ride | Run | Walk | Challenge
REGISTER
All Veterans Memorial, times vary

Freedom Fest Open
Presented by Dynamic Discs
REGISTER
Soden’s Grove Park, 9 am & noon

ESU Football vs TBA
Senior Day | Salute to Service
Welch Stadium
1:00 pm

Date TBA

Veterans Roundtable
ESU Memorial Union

November 11

Veterans Breakfast 
Presbyterian Manor, 2300 Industrial Road
7:00 am to 9:30 am
RSVP by Nov 6 to (620) 343-2613 or email: [email protected]

Veterans Day Parade
Commercial Street, 4th Ave – 12th Ave
9:30 am

Veterans Memorial Service
All Veterans Memorial, 931 S Commercial St.
11:00 am

Ham and Bean Feed
American Legion Post 5, 2921 W. 12th Ave.,
Time: Noon to 2:00 pm

Soup Feed
VFW Post 1980, 932 Graphic Arts Road
Time: Noon

Date TBA

Quilts of Gratitude Quilt Presentation
Anderson Building, 2700 US Highway 50
1:00 pm

Date TBA

Veteran Artists "People's Choice" on Display
ESB Financial, 8th & Merchant
ESB Hours

December 14

Wreaths Across America Ceremony
Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery
Time TBA

 

child holding a patriotic sign at Emporia's Veterans Day parade
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History of Veterans Day

In 1953, Emporian Alvin J. King proposed that Armistice Day be changed to Veterans Day to recognize and honor all veterans from all wars and conflicts. The holiday was first organized and celebrated in Emporia in 1953. Kansas Congressman Ed Rees, also an Emporian, then took King’s proposal to Congress, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, also of Kansas, signed the bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. The first nationwide observance of the new holiday was on November 11, 1954.

Every year now, the President of the United States urges all Americans to honor the commitment of our Veterans through appropriate public ceremonies.

Read the Emporia Gazette article about the Founding of Veterans Day, and join us in November for All Veterans Tribute week!

More to Do

While you're in town, don't miss these other things to do!

tank and helicopter at the All veterans memorial park

All Veterans Memorial

This beautiful memorial next to the Cottonwood River is open year round and FREE to…

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freemont park veterans marker

Veterans Monuments

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bobby d's bbq pulled pork

BobbyD’s Merchant Street BBQ

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Lyon County History Center

This historic building in Downtown Emporia houses over 150,000 artifacts, as well as a model train…

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Bourbon Cowboy

A favorite among cowboys, cowgirls, and two-steppers, this 6,000 square foot, two-level country dance bar…

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wall of jeans at Bluestem Farm and ranch

Bluestem Farm & Ranch Supply

Where real cowboys and city folk shop in the spirit of the Flint Hills! Featuring…

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Save the Date

November 4, 2024 - November 11, 2024

Emporia, KS

All Veterans Tribute