This Memorial Day, remember fallen veterans and others at events in the Wichita area
Here are ways to honor those who served our country. This Memorial Day will be marked by events in the Wichita area, such as the Blue Star Museum Program and the “Murph Challenge” of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL officer who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2007 for his actions during the War in Afghanistan. Six hundred American flags are on display at Flags of Freedom at IAM District Lodge #70, 3830 S. Meridian Ave., through Monday. Resthaven’s 64th annual Memorial Day service will include featured speaker Colonel Steven J. Smart, the commander of the 184th Wing of the Kansas National Guard, and the honor flights. The McConnell Air Force Base Color Guard will present the U.N. flag. All four cemeteries in Kansas will be open for regular hours on Monday (9 a.m.m.)
Published : 11 months ago by Sarah Moore in
On this Memorial Day Monday, take time to appreciate who the holiday is for.
Cemeteries and parks across Wichita and surrounding areas will be holding ceremonies and events on Monday to honor soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Here are the details:
Many museums in Wichita are a part of the Blue Star Museum Program, allowing military members and their families to visit free of charge. Exploration Place, Old Cowtown Museum, Wichita Art Museum, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum and Botanica Wichita are in the program.
Six hundred American flags are on display at Flags of Freedom at IAM District Lodge #70, 3830 S. Meridian Ave., through Monday.
West YMCA, 6940 Newell St., 8 a.m. Monday – The West YMCA will host its seventh annual “Murph Challenge.” The nationwide fitness challenge honors the sacrifice and memory of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL officer who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2007 for his actions during the War in Afghanistan. Participants will complete the same fitness routine that Lt. Murphy would do before missions — run one mile, do 100 pull-ups, do 200 push-ups, do 300 air squats and run one mile. Everyone is encouraged to wear weighted vests, as Lt. Murphy would do.
Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 E. 13th St., 10 a.m. – This year’s guest speaker will be Chief Master Sgt. Joshua S. Sjoholm, the senior enlisted officer for the 22nd Operations Group at McConnell Air Force Base. “God Bless the USA” and “America the Beautiful” will be performed by soloist Huron Breaux. Taps will be played and the Tornado Alley Young Marines will fold the flag. In addition, American flags memorializing veterans will outline the cemetery grounds. Families are welcome to participate in the “Avenue of Flags” by purchasing a flag, flagpole and bronze plaque through Lakeview Cemetery.
Veteran’s Memorial Park Flag Pavilion, 339 Veterans Parkway, 11 a.m. – U.S. Navy veteran Herb Duncan, a key member of the Kansas Honor Flight organization, will speak on the significance of Memorial Day and the honor flights. There will be a rifle salute and bugler John Noonan will play the national anthem and taps. The public is welcome to attend; seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Resthaven Mortuary & Cemetery, 11800 W. U.S. 54, 11 a.m. – Resthaven’s 64th annual Memorial Day service will include featured speaker Colonel Steven J. Smart, the commander of the 184th Wing of the Kansas National Guard. The Jayhawk Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will do a flyover to honor fallen veterans. The facility will be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. for anyone who wants to pay tribute.
Greenwood Cemetery, 6231 W. 47th St. South, 11 a.m. – The service that will be held next to the chapel will include a show conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Affairs and a presentation to honor veterans by the Tornado Alley Young Marines. In addition, there will be music and members of the American Legion will ride in on motorcycles with flags.
Botanica, 701 Amidon, 2 p.m. – The Delano Wind Ensemble will perform a patriotic set on the Terrace Patio to honor veterans. The McConnell Air Force Base Color Guard will present the U.S. flag. A general admission ticket will be required for entry ($10 for adults, $8 for youth and seniors, military/veterans and children under two are free). Guests should bring chairs and blankets for seating. Bar On Demand will sell drinks; food will not be available. The gardens will also be open for regular hours on Monday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, 1208 North College, 10 a.m. – Army Staff Sgt. Stacy Yeager will speak. The Winfield Municipal Band will play, and members of the audience will be invited to place wreaths and carnations around the cemetery in remembrance. All four Kansas veterans’ cemeteries (Fort Dodge, Fort Riley/Manhattan, WaKeeney and Winfield) will hold similar events on Memorial Day. Seating is limited, so it is recommended to bring lawn chairs.
Hesston Cemetery, 8600 W. Dutch Ave,11 a.m. – The 32nd memorial service will begin with a presentation of the American flag, followed by a memorial address given by the Hesston Girl Scouts. The troop will also present the book “America’s White Table,” by Margot Theis Raven, which explains the tradition of reserving a table with a white table cloth in remembrance of fallen service members. The names of veterans who have died this year will be read. Seating is limited, so it is recommended to bring lawn chairs. Everyone is also welcome to join the Hesston Memorial Committee before the ceremony at 8 a.m. when they hoist the large flags. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Hesston City Shop.
El Paso Cemetery, 700 E. Kay St., 10 a.m. – The Derby Veterans of Foreign Wars post will have an annual service featuring 22nd Contracting Squadron Commander Lt. Colonel James Thompson as the speaker.
Hillcrest Cemetery, 10102 E 95th St. S., 11 a.m. – The annual service is put on by Derby’s American Legion Family Post 408 and led by speaker Colonel Phil Heseltine, commander of the 931st Air Refueling Wing.
City Hall, neighborhood resource centers, transit administrative offices, Wichita Public Library locations, park administrative offices and recreation centers, CityArts, Mid-American All-Indian Museum, Wichita Art Museum, Cowtown, Great Plains Nature Center, environmental health office, WATER Center, Brooks Landfill and the animal shelter.
There will be no Wichita Transit or paratransit service.
O.J. Watson Park will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shelters and rides will close at 5 p.m. and no fireworks are allowed at the park.
Wichita public golf courses and the Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center will be open regular hours.
Topics: Kansas, Holidays, Memorial Day, Wichita