History of the All Veterans Memorial
A proud few steps up for the benefit of many...
In 1991, a small group of Veterans and the City Commission met to establish a memorial to honor All Veterans and their families. At that time Emporia, like many cities had over twenty monuments and memorials as well as military historic vehicles throughout the community. Through partnership, planning and hard work the Committee established, planned and developed the beautiful memorial you see before you today.
Dedicated to All
The first feature placed at the Memorial was a World War II M-4A3 Sherman tank, similar to the tank used by Emporian Sgt Grant Timmerman, Marine Tanker and WWII Pacific Theater Veteran who heroically gave his life and saved his tank crew resulting in his award of the Medal of Honor. Sgt Timmerman is honored at the Timmerman Medal of Honor Alcove in the memorial.
Circle of Honor and Monuments
The Circle of Honor, located in the center of the Memorial, encompasses the Military Order of the Purple Heart Monument for the State of Kansas. The Circle of Honor consists of original fieldstone monuments for every major conflict fought since the founding of the City of Emporia. In addition, these monuments support flag masts that, on special military dates, fly every branch of service flag. The Gold Star Families Flag is flown on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Gold Star Mothers Day. The POW/MIA is flown directly below our Nation's Colors all day - every day.
In 2001 the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated and located under a Huey helicopter from the Vietnam War.
2022 saw the latest monument placed - the "Battle Field Cross" for fallen Warriors. Discover additional monuments when you visit.
Tablets of Honor
In 2016, the memorial dramatically expanded with the Tablets of Honor Program. Each Tablet honors 80 service members recognized and honored by family members and friends from across the region.
All Veterans Day History – founded in Emporia
It began with Armistice 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. Veterans Day 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 Veterans Day was on November 11, 1954.
Emporian Alvin J. King, Kansas Congressman Ed Rees, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Oval Office on June 1, 1954, after the signing of the bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.
1954 Emporia Veterans Day Parade, 900 block of Commercial Street. Photo by Frederick H. Whitaker.