On the morning of Saturday, November 11, the community gathered at Sunset Park to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. The Veterans Day Memorial, held at the Sunset Park War Memorial, drew a crowd despite the overcast weather as attendees expressed their gratitude for the sacrifices made by our veterans.
Veterans Day serves as a poignant reminder to honor those who have faithfully served our country and those currently in service, ensuring that the flame of freedom continues to burn. The event emphasized the need for perpetual awareness of the precious gift of freedom and the responsibility to pass on the legacy of a free and democratic society to future generations.
Acknowledging a group of veterans often overlooked, Vice Mayor Bill Longbine highlighted the significance of remembering prisoners of war (POWs) and those missing in action (MIAs). He emphasized that neglecting their sacrifice and memory would be a disservice, urging the community to carry forward their memories and dreams with pride.
Vice Mayor Longbine delivered a heartfelt address during the ceremony, reflecting on the historical significance of Veterans Day, originally observed as Armistice Day marking the end of World War I. He underscored the ongoing sacrifices of men and women defending the nation's interests and liberties in current conflicts. The ceremony included musical tributes from the Kansas Wesleyan Wind Ensemble, featuring songs representing each branch of the military.
Highlighting Salina's distinction as the second city in Kansas to be designated a POW City, Vice Mayor Longbine celebrated the Sunset War Memorial's three-decade legacy envisioned by local veterans. He praised the courage of each veteran as a testament to the strength of the nation, emphasizing that freedom is not free and has been preserved by those making the ultimate sacrifice.
Adding a poignant touch to the memorial, the Sunset War Memorial now features a dedicated section honoring all POW/MIA's, paying tribute to Salina's Major Dennis Pugh. The Salina/Saline County Building Authority recently approved a Missing Man Table, symbolizing the enduring commitment to remember those who are still missing, which will soon find a place in the City/County Building.
