EVENTS

VETERANS DAY 2019

Local VFW Post 1186 recognizes essay contest winners
By Susan Scovel susan@indydailyreporter.com

It stands to reason that people from other countries work tirelessly to come to America and settle. Where else does this happen?" - Emma Spencer, VFW Patriot's Pen first place winner "The first amendment, checks and balances system and our ability to promote peace in the world…they are at the core of the United States that won't be changing any time soon." - Mason Carter, VFW Voice of Democracy first place winner

Kathy Shepard and Ryan York, representing Dewlen Dix VFW Post 1186 and its Auxiliary, recognized the winners of the VFW essay contests during a ceremony at Veterans Freedom Square Saturday. Eighth grade student Emma Spencer, daughter of Matthew and Diane Spencer, and Mason Carter, son of Nate and Jennifer Carter, Independence High School, read their winning essays aloud during the ceremony to honor the veterans represented at the memorial. The theme for both was "What Makes America Great." According to Shepard, there were 185 Patriot's Pen entrants. The Voice of Democracy essays submitted were from students in Julie Dunham's Social Studies class. Emma will represent Patriot's Pen for students in grades 6-8 and Mason will represent the Voice of Democracy on behalf of the local Dewlen Dix Post at the district level for judging and a chance to advance to the state-wide competition.

ESSAY WINNERS

Emma Spencer, Patriot's Pen, first place
Aspen Sharpe, Patriot's Pen, second place
Truman York, Patriots Pen, third place

Mason Carter, Voice of Democracy, first place
taylor Meredith, Voice of Democracy, second place
Gabrielle Muninger, Voice of Democracy, third place

Veterans Parade of Honor
BY TAINA COPELAND | independence daily reporter

The sun was shining, the temperatures were autumn-perfect and Independence was filled with red, white and blue as the 3rd annual Veterans Day of Honor parade got underway in downtown. As kids screeched with delight and parents "oohed" and "aahed," one could tell the KC-135 flyover did not disappoint as the parade kicked off.

Members of VFW Post 1186, the American Legion Post 139 and their auxiliaries, and others, proudly displayed their thanks to veterans through floats and signs. Veterans waved to parade-watchers as they all waved American flags in the air and the kids asked, "Will they throw candy?" Motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, cars, floats and more drifted by as many in the crowd shouted, "Thank you for your service." Delegates from several realms of government, local and area, were included in the parade as were individuals — anyone wanting to celebrate veterans was invited to join the parade. Independence Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Wilson said it was a fantastic turnout and a great day all around. Other events happening throughout the Veterans Day of Honor included a free Veterans Appreciation Breakfast, sponsored by Atmos Energy, Knights of Columbus and Young Professionals of Independence; Run for the Colors 5K Fun Run/ Walk and Veterans Walk of Honor, sponsored by Labette Health, American Legion, The Hub of Indy Church, Independence Cinemas and Newton's True Value; a cornhole tournament was held on the east lawn of Memorial Hall; the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center offered free admission to the Military Exhibit as well as coffee and doughnuts for veterans; a memorial tribute was held at Veterans Freedom Square in Riverside Park in conjunction with the Voice of De- mocracy and Patriot's Pen Youth Essay award presentations; preparade activities and the Heroes & Hot Rods car show; a flag raising ceremony at Celebration Park along with the Fallen Soldier Cross presentation; Col. William Campbell tribute; a free community bean feed; and closing out the day was the drawing of winners for the two Harley Davidson motorcycles at VFW Post 1186. Monday evening, the Mid Continent Band performed a special Veterans Day concert in the Performing Arts Center at Independence High School.

Veterans day celebration

BY TAINA COPELAND | Independence Daily Reporter
tuesday, November 13, 2018

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., many patriots gathered at Veterans Freedom Square for the official dedication and reading of names listed on pav- ers laid in the memorial. Only the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind and the birds could be heard as the hundreds of names were read with pride. The Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay award presentations were held during the dedication of Veterans Day of Honor and Red, white and blue beads and American flags were passed out to those attending pre-parade activities in downtown Independence.

A dream come true for veterans

Steve McBride, Contributing Writer
Tuesday, May 29, 2018

The vision for a memorial that would honor all veterans who served their country honorably during times of war and peace began 11 years ago by the Heartland Vietnam Veterans organization. In October 2015, the organization dedicated their own memorial honoring Vietnam veterans. This left the Veterans Freedom Square in need of a new direction and organization. 

In 2014, there was an new attempt to resurrect the project for a memorial to honor all veterans from all theaters of conflict in the history of the United States. 

After the Independence city commission approved the plan, fundraising efforts initiated by Doug Harlin and Ryon Knop were put in place. The vision of the memorial was on its way to becoming a reality. 

Sept. 11, 2016, the groundbreaking ceremony was held at Riverside Park at the future site of the memorial. 

All of the work, planning, fundraising, dedication and efforts paid off in the dedication of the Veterans Freedom Square Monday. More than 500 people attended the ceremony with more than 100 Freedom Riders leading the opening ceremony. 

The next hour and a half, several speakers shared their thoughts and paid honor to the men and women who have served their country through the military. 

Mayor Leonhard Caflisch gave the welcoming address with the statement on how this project started as a dream. "What we are looking at today will hopefully honor all veterans but also moms, dads, brothers and sisters. This is about the sacrifice that everybody has paid serving their country and now we have a place where we can go to reflect on where our family members fought and sacrificed. Today we honor them," he stated. He encouraged the audience and anyone who visits the memorial to take time to reflect on the men and women who served in the military or gave of their lives to preserve our freedom. 

The keynote address was given by Colonel Gregg Burden, US Air National Guard retired director, Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office. He addressed the history of the American soldier and how he or she was always ready to do their duty in serving their country in times of conflict and peace. "Let us pause today with respect and honor to remember those who fought, for those who gave their lives and for those who willingly stand ready to do the same when the defense of freedom calls upon them. We owe each of them the highest respect and honor and the assurance that their commitment to this nations freedom will never be forgotten," said Burden. 

A Veteran's Response was provided by Colonel Bobby A. Boorigie, US Army retired. He thanked the city for providing the location in Riverside Park for the memorial; the Heartland Vietnam Veterans, the Veterans Freedom Square committee; Ron Lawrence, VFS committee chairman and the volunteers who contributed their efforts to bring the project to fruition. "This memorial is another way Independence has of recognizing and honoring the men, women and families of their sacrifice to keep all safe and secure," he said. 

Boorigie concluded his speech with paying honor to fellow veteran John Koschin who passed away unexpectedly Monday, May 21. "I would like to take this time in honor of him and all veterans in a prayer," he said. Boorigie offered his prayer to honoring all veterans in all of the conflicts the United States has been involved in.   

A ribbon cutting officially opening the memorial to the public followed with a prayer of dedication by Father Marco DeLoera. 

The Mid-Continent Band played "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and Becky Wheatley, SEK Blue Star Mothers, read "Who Will Remember?"

The American Legion Post 139 and the VFW Post 1186 performed a Twenty-One Gun Salute followed by Matt Carter playing "Taps." In conclusion, Chaplin David Bennett, 635th RSG, Topeka gave the benediction and the parting song "Stars and Stripes Forever" closed the ceremony.

Committee breaks ground for Veterans Freedom Square
BY STEVE MCBRIDE, Community Editor | Independence Daily Reporter
September 11, 2016

Veterans from around the area came together Sunday afternoon as the Veterans Freedom Square committee gathered at the site of the soon-to-be Veterans Freedom Square memorial at Riverside park in Independence. Ron Lawrence, committee chairman, spoke to the large crowd that had gathered to witness the groundbreaking ceremony. “In 2014, the committee came together with the guidance and determination of Doug Harlin to bring this memorial together,” Lawrence said. The committee believes that the memorial should tell the complete history of the United States of America and the men and women who served their country in times of war to preserve the freedoms that this nation was founded upon. “We wanted to achieve a memorial that would honor the families, wives, children and parents of the men and women who gave their lives defending our freedoms,” said Leonhard Caflisch, architect for the memorial. “This memorial will encompass all of the wars from the beginning of our country to the present day conflicts.” The committee informed the audience that it is planning to begin construction sometime in the middle of October. The Veterans Freedom Square will be located between the park playground area and the carousel in Riverside Park.