We all know the names of famous Kansans who have defended our country during times of war and conflict. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bob Dole are two who come to mind, but I also think of my high school classmates, neighborhood friends, and the many names and faces I see in the newspaper. All are regular, ordinary men and women who have answered the call to serve in the United States military, and their family members who pray for and await their return.
I recently experienced this blessed feeling of relief, as many of you have. On the evening of Oct. 14, Marine Cpl. Jared Underwood finally walked off a plane and embraced his fiancée, Melissa. Jared has served in the United States Marine Corps for four and a half years and his platoon was deployed to Iraq in January of 2005. He left behind his loving family members, friends, co-workers, and Melissa….who serves the state of Kansas as my assistant. We have all spent the better part of this year waiting impatiently for Jared's next call, letter or email, and photo. God bless Jared and all our troops!
November is a time for remembering the heroes who gave their lives serving America, honoring those who have fought bravely and returned home, and paying tribute to these great sacrifices. Our hearts go out to the many family members who will be celebrating Veteran's Day with a loved one fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan or stationed overseas.
Chances are your community will have a Veteran's Day celebration. Whether it is a parade or picnic, I hope you find a way to attend. Take your children and neighbors. Thank the Veterans and their families for their sacrifices. Be proud of our country, and inspired by our nation's flag that represents freedom.
One Kansas town boasts the honor of being the founding city of Veterans Day and home of the All Veterans Tribute: Emporia. Our own Emporia has planned nine days of recognition and appreciation to all of America's armed forces. The activities begin on Nov. 5. Most are free and open to the public. On Friday, Nov. 11 the activities include a parade, memorial service, lunch and USO show. The USO show will be at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free, but are required for admission. Nov. 12 is also full of activities including mobilization reenactments, fashions from the WWII era, and balloon glow. Visit www.emporiakschamber.org or call 1-800-279-3730 for detailed information.
The Kansas Museum of History is planning a celebration Saturday, Nov. 12. Veterans, current servicemen and women, and their immediate families are invited to participate and receive free museum admission throughout the weekend. Activities range from a military band concert to drills by the Topeka West and Highland Park Jr. ROTC units. For more detailed information about the activities at the Topeka museum, call 785/272-8681 or visit www.kshs.org.
I will be celebrating Veterans Day at the Kansas Museum of History. I'm also bringing along our Unclaimed Property staff to help search the names of Veterans and other Kansans for unclaimed cash and property while they're taking in the festivities. Kansans of all ages and demographics were reunited with over $7 million in Unclaimed Property last year alone. Unclaimed Property can be inactive savings and checking accounts, uncashed checks, stock shares and bonds, dividend checks, insurance proceeds, mineral royalties, utility deposits, and actual property from Safe Deposit boxes. If you're out celebrating Veteran's Day at the Museum drop by our booth and search your name, or to find more information on Unclaimed Property go to www.KansasCash.com or call 1-800-432-0386.
God Bless America and our brave, courageous troops.
