18 May 2005

Kansas to honor soldiers at Memorial Day ceremony

The State of Kansas will recognize the soldiers that have died while serving their country at a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30.  Governor Kathleen Sebelius will preside over the ceremony, which will be held at 9:00 a.m. on the South Lawn of the State Capitol Building, near the Veterans' Memorial.  

“It is important to recognize those Americans who have lost their lives while serving the nation in American wars.   I encourage everyone to take part in ceremonies, parades and other activities honoring soldiers and veterans on Memorial Day and throughout the year,” Governor Sebelius said.

Pursuant to US Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Sec. 6, Governor Sebelius has directed all flags to be lowered to half-staff until noon on Memorial Day.

Eighteen Kansas soldiers and 47 Fort Riley soldiers who were killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom will be honored at the ceremony.  Several family members who have lost soldiers in these conflicts are planning to attend.

Governor Sebelius will be joined by the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs.  Col. Bart Howard, Commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, will present a flag to the Governor. The flag flew over Camp Junction City in Iraq.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony at the Capitol. If there is inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the 2nd floor Rotunda of the Capitol.