Where Veterans Day began: the holiday to honor all veterans began with and idea from a shoe store owner and some help from fellow Kansans

VFW Magazine, Nov, 2003 by Julie Carter

Fifty years ago, a city in Kansas started a tradition that still holds strong today. On April 4, 2003, the Kansas Legislature passed a resolution officially naming Emporia, Kan., the birthplace of Veterans Day.

In 1953, Al King had the idea to celebrate all veterans, not just those who served in World War I. So he began his campaign to turn Armistice Day into "All" Veterans Day.

King was an Emporia shoe store owner actively involved with the American War Dads during WWII. He was too young to serve in WWI, but according to family members, he tried to join the Navy toward the end of the war. He was only 15 years old.

Even though he never officially served in uniform, he always had a great respect for the military. He began to talk to friends and neighbors about his idea for a special day for all veterans.

Making it Happen

King had promoted his notion so much that the Emporia Chamber of Commerce decided to get involved. It found that 90% of merchants and the Board of Education of Emporia were willing to close their doors that Nov. 11, 1953, to celebrate the first-ever all-inclusive Veterans Day.

King was named general chairman of the All Veterans Day Committee that included representatives from VFW, American Legion and Amvets, as well as the War Dads.

With the help of then-U.S. Rep. Ed Rees, also from Emporia, a bill for the holiday was pushed through Congress. President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954.

That November, the rest of the nation caught up with Emporia and celebrated Veterans Day.

"We traded off [organizing the event] with the Legion for a long time," said Harold Burenheide, quartermaster of VFW Post 1980 in Emporia. "It's just been our two organizations. But now, the Chamber [of Commerce] gets involved, and it's a week-long celebration."

The Post participated in the holiday's founding: VFW member Lee Wheeler worked alongside King on the committee during the 1950s.

Burenheide is proud to be from a community that is so supportive of veterans and a Post that had a hand in the creation of the holiday.

"It feels great because we started celebrating here in '53," he said. "Everywhere else started in '54. It's been a big thing here ever since."

According to Liz Martell, director of the Emporia Convention and Visitors Bureau and co-planner of the event, more than 10,000 people each year have seen the celebration in Emporia.

"We are expecting a larger turnout [for the 50th anniversary]," Martell said. "We have invited veterans from all over the country."

This year, Emporia's celebration--"The All Veterans Tribute"--begins its week of festivities on Nov. 5 with a student essay award ceremony. Veterans will be recognized and a USO show will be on the 7th. The USO performance will be typical of those seen by troops on active duty, complete with musical, comical and theatrical acts.

A WWII battle re-enactment with historical narration will be at noon on Nov. 9. The week will conclude with a parade, "bean feeds" at the American Legion and Post 1980, a memorial service and a performance by the USAF Heartland of America Band from Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb., on Veterans Day.

President George W. Bush is invited to speak in Emporia, along with other dignitaries.

H.C.R. 159 is pending in Congress, naming Emporia the official birthplace of Veterans Day.

"Hopefully, that bill will be passed before Nov. 11," Martell said.

Incidentally, Al King died Dec. 19, 1960. He took part in Emporia's celebration each year. Upon his death, President Eisenhower "assured a place of honor" for him in a letter to King's wife.

For more information, contact: Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, 719 Commercial, P.O. Box 703, Emporia, KS 66801. Tel.: 1-800-279-3730. E-mail: visitors@emporiakschamber.org.