Governor Parkinson Calls on Kansans to Display Flags this Veterans Day

Statement

"They have done their duty; let's do ours."

In recognition of Kansas and American veterans who have served their country in the armed forces, Governor Mark Parkinson is encouraging all Kansans to display the flag of the United States on Veterans Day, November 11. It echoes the proclamation signed by President Obama which calls upon Federal, State and local officials to follow suit.

Governor Parkinson has also written a column commemorating Veterans Day and the service of Kansas veterans.

The following is a message from Governor Mark Parkinson in commemoration of Veterans Day:

Tomorrow will mark the 56th anniversary of Veterans Day in the United States. This day honors those that have put their country before themselves. This day remembers those that have given immeasurable sacrifice for our freedom. This day was founded right here in Kansas.

It began with a man named Alvin King, an Emporian that had never served in a major U.S. conflict, but whose stepson was killed in action during World War II. After forming friendships with his stepson's company, Alvin suggested either creating a special day to honor all veterans or adapting Armistice Day so that it was dedicated to all veterans. Because at that time, Armistice Day only honored the veterans of World War I.

Teaming up with another Emporian, Kansas Congressman Edward Rees, Alvin went to Washington to make his case for honoring American veterans known. On June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, raised in Kansas, signed into law the Act proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day.

Every year, we remember that Veterans Days is a chance to honor those who have fought valiantly for our way of life, but many Kansans may not know that we can also take pride and reflect on our state's historical significance in the founding of this holiday. Alvin King embodies a value for our veterans that all Kansans share -- unwavering appreciation. While there is nothing that can ever repay our veterans for their service, we must do all that we can to show our gratitude.

During my tenure as governor, one war has ended while another continues. I have attended departure and homecoming ceremonies where gymnasiums are filled with family members and friends that are there to support our men and women in uniform. We've mourned for nine of our fellow Kansans that were killed in action in either Iraq or Afghanistan by lowering flags or taking a moment of prayer. We've honored Kansans in uniform with medals for their unparalleled displays of heroics in such tragedies as the Ford Hood incident. And we've helped to protect military families from hateful speech as they bury their loved ones with dignity.

There is no doubt that Kansans pay tribute to our members in the military, but our tribute must also be in the form of support for these heroes long after they come home. Whether it is preventing a veteran from becoming homeless or ensuring treatment for a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, this must be our mission. They have done their duty; let's do ours. Kansas strives to be the most military-friendly state in the nation, and I'm glad to see that we've taken important steps in that commitment.

Five years ago, we passed landmark legislation known as the Kansas Military Bill of Rights to support our military families. From programs that assist military families in buying their first home; to helping pay for college; to tax credits for businesses that hire veterans -- this legislation is making a difference in the success of Kansas military members and their families.

But this economic recession has taken its toll. We've seen funding diminish for public schools and argue that every Kansas child deserves a quality education, even during a recession. The same is true for our veterans. No matter whether we're in a recession or in times of prosperity, our veterans deserve nothing less than our unwavering commitment.

Fortunately, Kansas is showing encouraging signs that our economic recovery is moving forward, giving promise to the possibility of restoring many critical services that have been cut because of the recession. It is my hope that elected officials and state leaders will work together to find ways to renew our commitment to our veterans and uphold the Kansas value that Alvin King displayed.

To the men and women in uniform currently fighting abroad -- we are thinking of you and looking forward to your swift and safe return. To the thousands of veterans in Kansas today - thank you for your steadfast service to our state and nation. God bless all of you, the Great State of Kansas, and the United States of America.

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