May 23, 2006

Fallen Kansans to be honored at Memorial Day ceremony

Governor Kathleen Sebelius will join families, veterans, and fellow Kansans at a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 29 to honor military personnel who have died while serving their country.

This year’s Governor’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held 9:00 a.m. on the South Lawn of the State Capitol, near the Veterans’ Memorial.

“We set aside this day each year to honor the men and women of the military who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, though we should always remember we enjoy the freedom they fought for every day of the year,” said Sebelius. “I encourage all Kansans to honor our fallen heroes by marking Memorial Day at this or another local ceremony, or in their own way.”

Twenty-seven Kansas soldiers and 65 Ft. Riley soldiers who were killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom will be honored at the ceremony.  Several family members who have lost loved ones in this and other conflicts are planning to attend, as well as members of the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs.  

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

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