El Doradoans spent the weekend celebrating freedom, liberty – and most importantly, veterans.
The annual Celebration of Freedom events wrapped up Saturday and Sunday with the dedication of the Veterans Memorial Highway, a parade and events celebrating veterans.
Dedication
Saturday morning, following a performance by the 1st Infantry Division Band, Veterans Memorial Highway, located on Highway 54 from the eastern edge of the state to Kingman was dedicated.
Rep. John Grange talked about the history of this dedication.
In February 2005, the House of Representatives passed a bill authorizing the dedication. Then in March the Senate passed the bill and the governor signed it in April of that year.
The new name encompasses 211 miles of the highway. While the state only allows signs to be put at the two ends of the highway, cities can place their own signs as long as they’re on city property. El Dorado was placing two signs, one east of town near Stone Road and the other south of town.
“We encouraged other cities to put up signs on city property,” Grange said.
Brigadier Gen. Ed Flora also spoke at the event.
“It’s a great day in the city of El Dorado,” Flora said.
“The community represented here today takes freedom seriously. That means a lot to me and a lot to the others who serve.”
He told the story of a soldier who was killed in Iraq, and received the highest honor. Flora said there was not even a mention of his award in the prominent New York paper.
“Those kinds of things don’t happen here in El Dorado,” Flora said to the crowd who had gathered to celebrate the dedication.
“The people of El Dorado and Butler County honor their past,” he said. “These great veterans are the foundation of our freedom.
“Freedom is not free. It has to be maintained. We do that by looking forward.”
He said the signs and Veterans Day parade tell young people freedom is worth celebrating.
“I want to encourage young people to serve in the military and be part of the future of freedom,” Flora said.
Salute to Veterans
Sunday morning veterans were recognized at a ceremony at the El Dorado Middle School Auditorium.
Col. Lee E. Tafanelli spoke to the audience.
“I think it is very important we do honor America's veterans on Veterans Day,” he said. “Throughout the world, Americans will pause today to remember our brave men and women.
“The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a reminder to all veterans that freedom isn’t cheap.”
He thanked all of the veterans for their service and sacrifice and told them they set the example for those to follow.
“Our veterans have paid the price with their courage, their honor,” he said. “A simple love of country and liberty compelled them to serve this country. They know what it’s like to stand guard in the chill of the night so others can sleep.”
Currently, members of the military are standing watch in 120 countries around the world.
“It is here, they are the defenders of the heartland,” Tafanelli said.
He said they defend the values of which America’s treasurers are most embraced.
“Some principles in life are worth dying for,” he said.
A proclamation also was read from Mayor Tom McKibban proclaiming Nov. 11, 2007 as Veterans Day.
They also dedicated a new braille flag to be placed in Memorial Park.
The bronze flag, which was provided by the Kansas Braille Transcription Institute, has color coded strips and the Pledge of Allegiance written on it.
It was presented “in respect of the blind veterans whose service caused them to lose their sight.”
They also made additional flags that were in color to present to Bill Mason for his support of blind veterans, as well as Tafanelli, Lewie Cooper and Floyd Brittney.