Emporia, Kansas, recognized as the founding city of Veterans Day, hosts a series of community events each November to honor military service members. The activities, often open to the public at no cost, include meals, concerts, athletic competitions, and memorial ceremonies. This article outlines the available no-cost opportunities based on official event schedules and organizational information.
Historical Context of Veterans Day in Emporia
The city of Emporia holds a unique historical connection to the national holiday. 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. This local initiative established the foundation for the city's annual tribute activities.
All Veterans Tribute Week Schedule
The community celebrates All Veterans Tribute week every November, featuring a variety of events. The schedule typically spans from late October through mid-November, culminating around Veterans Day on November 11.
Veteran Artists Gallery Exhibit
- Dates: October 31 - November 12
- Location: Emporia Arts Center, 815 Commercial Street
- Cost: Free admission
- Details: An exhibition featuring works by veteran artists. The Emporia Arts Center operates during standard gallery hours.
Veteran Artist Reception and Awards
- Date: November 7
- Location: Emporia Arts Center, 815 Commercial Street
- Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Cost: Free
- Details: A reception for veteran artists, with an awards presentation scheduled for 5:30 pm.
Freedom Fest Events
Freedom Fest is a series of competitive and community events held annually in November on the Saturday before Veterans Day. The mission is to honor all Veterans and their families through physical and community gathering events. Activities are held at the All Veterans Memorial (931 South Commercial Street) and Soden’s Grove Park.
- Date: November 8 (in 2025 context)
- Activities Include:
- Run/Walk
- Cycling rides (20 and 50-mile routes)
- Disc golf tournament
- Foot march
- Warrior spur triple challenge
- Registration: While some events may have registration fees, the festival atmosphere is open to the public. Virtual participation options are available through Veteran’s Day for those who cannot attend in person.
- Additional Details: Freedom Fest was founded in 2003 by Emporia Main Street and soldiers of the Kansas National Guard. The All Veterans Memorial park features a WWII Sherman tank, a Huey helicopter, a Purple Heart memorial, and tablets of honor.
Coffey Anderson Country Music Concert
- Date: November 8
- Location: Emporia Arts Center, 815 Commercial Street
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Cost: Requires ticket purchase (as indicated by "GET TICKETS" in the schedule)
- Details: A performance by country musician Coffey Anderson, who is the son of a veteran. The concert is part of the Veterans Tribute week activities.
In Their Honor: A Musical Salute to Our Veterans
- Date: November 9
- Location: Granada Theatre (Emporia Granada Theatre, 807 Commercial St.)
- Time: 3:00 pm
- Cost: Free Admission
- Details: A musical performance by the Emporia Municipal Band.
Veterans Day Activities (November 11)
- Veterans Breakfast
- Location: Presbyterian Manor, 2300 Industrial Road
- Time: 7:00 am to 9:00 am
- Cost: Likely free for veterans (requires RSVP)
- Details: RSVP required by November 7 to (620) 205-1214 or via email.
- Veterans Day Parade
- Route: Commercial Street, from 4th Ave to 12th Ave
- Time: 9:30 am
- Cost: Free to watch
- Broadcast: KVOE will live-stream the parade on YouTube@kvoenews.
- Veterans Memorial Service
- Location: All Veterans Memorial, 931 S Commercial St.
- Time: 11:00 am
- Cost: Free
- Broadcast: The service will air on KVOE 1400 AM, 96.9 FM, and YouTube@kvoenews.
- Veterans Luncheon
- Location: American Legion Post 5, 2921 W (street name not fully specified)
- Time: Starting at noon
- Cost: Open to the public (details on cost not specified in source material)
- Free Movie Screening: "Top Gun"
- Location: Emporia Granada Theatre, 807 Commercial St.
- Time: 7:00 pm
- Cost: Free
Additional Free Community Meal
- Date: November 12 (as part of the All Veterans Tribute week schedule)
- Location: 12th Ave (specific venue not detailed)
- Time: Noon to 3:00 pm
- Cost: Free
- Details: Meal includes Ham & Beans, Chicken & Noodles, Drinks & Dessert.
Top Gun Movie Screening
- Date: November 15
- Location: Emporia Granada Theatre, 807 Commercial St.
- Time: 7:00 pm
- Cost: Free
Wreaths Across America Ceremony
- Date: December 13
- Location: Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery
- Time: 11:00 am
- Cost: Ceremony is free to attend; sponsorship of a wreath has a cost.
- Details: Individuals can sponsor a wreath through November 25. Sponsorship can be done online at the Wreaths Across America website or in person at Bobby D's BBQ, Nature's Paradise, or Sweet Granada.
Sports Event Salute to Service
- Date: November 15
- Event: ESU Football vs Fort Hays State
- Location: Welch Stadium
- Time: 1:00 pm
- Details: Designated as Senior Day | Salute to Service. While attending the football game requires a ticket, the "Salute to Service" designation indicates a community event honoring veterans.
Community Support Opportunities
The All Veterans Memorial, established in 1991, relies on the generous support of volunteers and donors. The memorial honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. military members from the Civil War through today. The grounds include a WWII Sherman tank, a Vietnam Huey helicopter, the anchor from the USS Oliver Hazard Perry, the USS Emporia bell, and a Purple Heart Memorial. The Tablets of Honor walkway commemorates individual service members and highlights key moments in U.S. military history, including the nation’s first memorial dedicated to Desert Storm.
For those interested in supporting the memorial or volunteering, the organization accepts donations and volunteers. Specific contact information for volunteer opportunities is not provided in the source material.
Conclusion
Emporia, Kansas, offers a robust schedule of free and low-cost community events each November to honor veterans. The activities range from cultural exhibits and concerts to athletic competitions and memorial services. While some specific events like the Coffey Anderson concert require tickets, many activities—including the Veterans Day parade, memorial service, movie screenings, and community meals—are available at no charge to the public. The city's historical role as the founding location of Veterans Day adds significance to these annual tributes. For the most current information and specific RSVP requirements, interested individuals should consult the official event websites or contact the organizing bodies directly.