Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration at Veterans Memorial Park
2023-12-07 08:00 - 08:30 UTC | KS
At 8:00 am on December 7th, 2023, the Wichita Veterans Memorial Park will host a Pearl Harbor Day commemoration at Veterans Memorial Park. The location of this short ceremony will be at the Pearl Harbor Survivors Memorial. The commemoration will include the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, invocation, a short talk on the significance of the event, closing prayer and a 3-volley rifle salute, followed by the sounding of TAPS. The public is welcome to attend but as this will be a short event, no seating will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs, if desired.

Wreaths Across America (WAA) Event at Veterans Memorial Park
2023-12-16 10:00 - 11:00 | KS
At 10:00 am on December 16th, 2023, this annual WAA event will be held in conjunction with similar ceremonies all across the country. The approximately one hour ceremony will be held at the Park’s Flag Pavilion and will include:

Flag-lined entry sidewalk to the Park’s Flag Pavilion provided by the American Legion and Legion Riders
Introduction and opening remarks by the Master of Ceremonies
Color Guard presentation of The Colors
National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance
Chaplain’s Blessing
Placement of Wreaths (One for each branch of the US military and one for POWs-MIAs)
Keynote Message by Guest Speaker
Wreath-laying at each of the Park’s Memorials
Closing Prayer
3-volley Rifle Salute
Playing of Taps

The public is invited to attend. A limited number of chairs will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own if they want to be assured of a seat.

Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration - 2024
2024-03-29 12:00 - 13:00 | KS
At 12:00 noon on March 29th, Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park will hold a ceremony to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day. It will be held at the Park’s Vietnam Veterans (Homefront) Memorial. Vietnam Veteran Bob Fugit will be the Master of Ceremonies. The event will include the National Anthem, remarks by guest speaker (and Vietnam Veteran) Kenny White, an opening and closing prayer, a 3-volley rifle salute and the sounding of Taps. The public is welcome to attend, but guests are advised to bring chairs if they want to be seated.

VE (Victory in Europe) Day Commemoration
2024-05-08 13:00 - 13:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On Wednesday, May 8th at 1:00 pm, the Veterans Memorial Park Board will host a brief ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day), in the Park at the WWII Memorial. This date in 1945 signified the end of WWII hostilities in the European Theater. The event will include the National Anthem, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, a Chaplain’s opening and closing prayer, brief remarks by the MC and the sounding of Taps.
This event is open to the public, but since it will be short in duration, no seating will be provided.

Memorial Day 2024 Commemoration
2024-05-27 11:00 - 11:45 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
Memorial Day 2024 will be commemorated at 11:00 am in Veterans’ Memorial Park at the Flag Pavilion on Monday, May 27th, 2024. There will be a guest speaker, Rifle Detail and a bugler to play the National Anthem and Taps for this event. Army Veteran Sam Brent will be the guest speaker. While in the Army, Sam served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Poland. The public is invited to attend.

Memorial Day Band Concert - Veterans Memorial Park
2024-05-27 12:00 - 12:45 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On Monday, May 27th 2024, the Delano Wind Ensemble will perform a band concert featuring popular marches and other patriotic music. The performance will begin at 12:00 noon and take place on the lawn near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The concert will last about 45 minutes and is open to the public. However, since no seating will be provided, guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. The ensemble will be directed by James Oliphant.

D-Day Commemoration: 80th Anniversary
2024-06-06 09:00 - 09:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On June 6th, 2024 at Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park, the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion will be commemorated at 9:00 am, in front of the WWII Memorial. The National Anthem will be played to start the event, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, an opening prayer and placement of a wreath. Following brief remarks by the Master of Ceremonies to speak about of the significance of the event, the closing prayer will be followed by the sounding of Taps. The event is open to the public, but no seating will be provided. Guests who wish to sit should bring their own lawn chairs.

Independence Day 2024 Commemoration
2024-07-04 09:00 - 09:45 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
The Veterans Memorial Park Board of Wichita will host an Independence Day Commemoration at Veterans Memorial Park on July 4th, 2024 at 9:00 am. The ceremony will be held at the American Revolution Memorial at the south end of the Park. It will feature a bugler playing the National Anthem and Taps, the Chaplain’s invocation and closing prayer, recitation of the pledge of allegiance and presentation of the Colors by the McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. The guest speaker will be retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major Richard Lewallen from Topeka.
The public is invited to attend and a limited amount of seating will be provided. However, guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs if they want to be sure they have a place to sit.

Korean War Armistice Day Commemoration - 2024
2024-07-27 10:00 - 10:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On July 27th, 2024 at 10:00 am, the Veterans Memorial Park Board will host a brief commemoration on the anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. The event will be held at the Kansas Korean Veterans Memorial in Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park. It will feature the National Anthem played by a bugler, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, a Chaplain’s invocation and remarks by Master of Ceremony Tom Huxtable. Following the remarks, the Chaplain will offer a closing prayer, which will be followed by a 3-volley rifle salute performed by the American Legion Post 4 Rifle Detail. The bugler will play Taps to close the commemoration.
The public is welcome to attend, but since this is a short ceremony, no seating will be provided.

V-J Day Commemoration - 2024
2024-09-02 10:00 - 10:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On September 2nd at 10:00 am, Veterans Memorial Park will host a V-J Day commemoration. This event is held to honor the Veterans of World War II, especially those who served in the Pacific Theater. The signing of the terms of surrender by Japan took place on the deck of the U.S. Battleship Missouri on this date in Tokyo Bay in 1945, marking the end of the Second World War. The brief ceremony will include the playing of our National Anthem, an opening and closing prayer by a Chaplain, appropriate comments from Master of Ceremonies U.S. Navy Veteran Bob Fugit and the sounding of Taps. The location of the ceremony will be the WWII (Kilroy) Memorial in the Park. The public is invited to attend, but since this will be a short event, seating will not be provided. Guests who wish to sit are welcome to bring their own chairs.

Commemoration of 9/11 and the Global War on Terror - 2024
2024-09-11 09:00 - 09:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On September 11th, 2024 at 9:00 am, the Veterans Memorial Park Board of Wichita will host a ceremony to commemorate the events of 9/11/2001 and pay tribute to the Veterans who served in the subsequent Global War on Terror. Held at the Park’s Operation Freedom Memorial, the event will begin with the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an Invocation and remarks by the Master of Ceremonies John Offerman. After a closing prayer, the American Legion Post 4 Honor Guard will fire a 3-volley salute. The event will conclude with the bugler(s) sounding TAPS for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
This is open to the public, but since there will be limited seating, guests who wish to sit may want to bring their own lawn chairs.

Tolling of the Boats - 2024
2024-10-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
The United States Submarine Veterans Inc.’s Dorado Base will present their annual Tolling of the Boats ceremony at 1:00 PM on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
The commemoration ceremony will be held at the USS Dorado Memorial in Veterans Memorial Park.
The ceremony will include a presentation of the Colors, the playing of the National Anthem, an Invocation, keynote speaker (Wichita Vice-Mayor Maggie Ballard), a reading of all lost US submarines, and the playing of Taps.
The event is open to the public but since seating will be limited, visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Veterans Day Commemoration - 2024
2024-11-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On November 11th, 2024, VMPWI will host a Veterans Day Commemoration in the Park at 11:00 am. The event will take place at the Flag Pavilion at the south end of the Park. Colors will be presented by the McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard as a Bugler plays the National Anthem. This will be followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. After a few brief remarks by the Master of Ceremonies, guest speaker Charles Eaton will reflect on the significance of this day that honors all U.S. Veterans. Charles is an Army Veteran who retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW4) after 35 years on Active Duty.
A closing prayer will then be offered, followed by a 3-volley rifle salute and the sounding of Taps. The event is open to the public and a limited number of chairs will be provided. However, guests may want to bring their own lawn chairs to ensure they have a seat.

2024 Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration at Veterans Memorial Park
2024-12-07 08:00 - 08:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
NEWS RELEASE: At 8:00 am on December 7th, 2024, the Wichita Veterans Memorial Park Board will host a Pearl Harbor Day commemoration at Veterans Memorial Park. The location of this short ceremony will in front of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Memorial. The commemoration will include the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, invocation, a short talk on the significance of the event, Navy Hymn and a 3-volley rifle salute, concluding with the sounding of TAPS. The public is welcome to attend but as this will be a short event, no seating will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs, if desired.

2025 Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration
2025-03-29 12:00 - 12:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
At 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 29th, Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park will hold a ceremony to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day. It will be held at the Park’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The event will include the National Anthem, remarks by guest speaker (and Vietnam Veteran) Bryson Allen, an opening and closing prayer, a 3-volley rifle salute and the sounding of Taps. The public is welcome to attend, and guests are advised to bring chairs if they want to be seated.

Wichita East High School Vietnam Memorial Plaque Dedication
2025-03-29 14:00 - 15:00 | KS
A plaque honoring the twelve East High School students who fought and died during the Vietnam War will be dedicated on Saturday, March 29, 2:00 at East High School, 2301 E. Douglas. The event will include the National Anthem, Flag salute, address by Mayor Wu, recognition of the individual fallen classmates, Taps and unveiling of the plaque in the bell tower. Current East High students will participate as much as possible. The public is welcome to attend. Entrance and parking on the south side of the building.

2025 Commemoration of VE Day (80th Anniversary)
2025-05-08 12:00 - 12:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On May 8th, 2025 at 12:00 noon, the Veterans Memorial Park Board will commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day. The location will be at the Park’s WWII (Kilroy) Memorial. On this date in 1945, World War II was effectively ended in the European Theater. This commemoration will include the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, brief remarks by the Master of Ceremonies (Bryson Allen) and will conclude with the sounding of Taps.
The public is invited to attend but since this is a relatively short event, seating will not be provided. Guests who wish to sit are advised to bring their own chairs.

2025 Memorial Day Commemoration at Veterans Memorial Park
2025-05-26 11:00 - 13:00 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
At 11:00 am on Memorial Day, May 26th 2025, the Veterans Memorial Park Board will commemorate this occasion at the Flag Pavilion of Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park. The event will commence with the presentation of the Colors by the McConnell AFB Honor Guard, followed by the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and an Invocation. The Master of Ceremonies (US Navy Veteran Bob Fugit) will offer a few remarks and introduce the guest speaker. Following the speaker’s address, the Marine Corps League will render a 3-volley rifle salute, followed by the sounding of Taps. This event is open to the public and although there will be limited seating available, guests may want to bring their own lawn chairs to be assured of a place to sit.
Fifteen minutes after the VMP commemoration, the Delano Wind Ensemble conducted by James Oliphant will perform a patriotic band concert at the Park’s nearby Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The public is invited to attend one or both of these events, but it is recommended that guests bring their own chairs.

2025 Commemoration of D-Day at Veterans Memorial Park
2025-06-06 09:00 - 09:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On June 6th, 2025 at 9:00 am there will be a brief ceremony at Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park at the WWII Memorial to commemorate the 81st anniversary of D-Day. This was the Allied invasion of France and Western Europe to take back the countries occupied by Nazi Germany. The ceremony will begin with the National Anthem, an invocation and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. A wreath will be placed at the WWII Memorial and the Master of Ceremonies will offer a few remarks about the significance of that event. Taps will be sounded to conclude the ceremony. The public is invited to attend but since this will be a short commemoration, seating will not be provided. Guests who do not want to stand should bring their own chairs.

2025 Independence Day Commemoration at VMP
2025-07-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
At 9:00 am on July 4th, 2025 the Veterans Memorial Park Board will host a commemoration of Independence Day at the American Revolution Memorial in Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park. The McConnell AFB Honor Guard will present the colors to begin the ceremony, followed by the National Anthem, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and an Invocation. Guest Speaker and USMC Veteran John Caviale will then speak about the significance of this day in history. Following the speech and a closing prayer, the US Marine Corps League rifle detail will fire a 3-volley salute and the ceremony will conclude with the sounding of Taps. The event is open to the public and limited seating will be provided. However, guests may want to bring their own lawn chairs to ensure they have a place to sit.

2025 Korean War Armistice Day Commemoration
2025-07-27 13:00 - 13:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On Sunday, July 27th at 1:00 pm there will be a brief ceremony at Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park at the Kansas Korean War Veterans Memorial to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and to honor those who served in that conflict. The ceremony will begin with the National Anthem, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. The Master of Ceremonies will offer a few remarks about the significance of the event that effectively ended the Korean War. After a 3-volley rifle salute by the Legion Post 4 Honor Guard, Taps will be sounded to conclude the ceremony. The public is invited to attend but since this will be a short ceremony, no seating will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs if they do not want to stand.

2025 Purple Heart Day Commemoration at VMP
2025-08-07 11:00 - 11:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On August 7th, 2025 at 11:00 am, Veterans Memorial Park will host an event to honor and commemorate recipients of the Purple Heart Medal. The ceremony will be held at the Park’s Purple Heart Memorial.
The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.
The organization now known as the “Military Order of the Purple Heart,” was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, it is the only veterans service organization comprised strictly of “combat” veterans.
The event will include a bugler playing the National Anthem, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, Chaplain’s Invocation and brief remarks by a Guest Speaker. After a 3-volley rifle salute by American Legion Post 4, the bugler will sound Taps to conclude the ceremony. The event is open to the public, but since this is expected to be a short ceremony, seating will not be provided. Guests who wish to be seated should bring their own lawn chairs.

2025 Commemoration of V-J (Victory over Japan) Day - 80th Anniversary
2025-09-02 10:00 - 22:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
At 10:00 am on September 2nd, 2025, the Veterans Memorial Park Board of Wichita will hold a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day), at the Park’s World War II Memorial. Since Victory in Europe (VE Day) had already occurred earlier (in May 1945), VJ Day also commemorates the end of World War II.
A Bugler will play the National Anthem to begin the event. After the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, there will be an invocation and wreath-laying, followed by brief remarks from the Master of Ceremonies. The Bugler will then conclude the ceremony by sounding Taps.
The public is invited to attend but as this will be a brief event, no chairs will be provided. Guests who wish to be seated should bring their own lawn chairs.

Commemoration of the 9/11 Attack and the Global War on Terror - 2025
2025-09-11 10:00 - 23:00 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On September 11th, 2025 at 10:00 am, the Veterans Memorial Park Board of Wichita will host a ceremony to commemorate the events of 9/11/2001 and pay tribute to the Veterans who served in the subsequent Global War on Terror. Held at the Park’s Operation Freedom Memorial, the event will begin with the presentation of the Colors by the McConnell AFB Honor Guard, National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. This is followed by an Invocation and remarks by keynote speaker and Veteran Noah Taylor. After the playing of Amazing Grace, the American Legion Post 4 Honor Guard will fire a 3-volley salute. The event will conclude with the bugler(s) sounding TAPS for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
This event is open to the public, but since there will be limited seating, guests who wish to sit may want to bring their own lawn chairs.

2025 Commemoration of National POW / MIA Recognition Day
2025-09-19 10:00 - 22:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On September 19th at 10:00 am, the Veterans Memorial Park Board will commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day at Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park. On this day, our nation remembers and honors those Americans who were prisoners of war and those who served and never returned home.
The event will take place at the Park’s Flag Pavilion. Following the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation, Guest Speaker Rick Lowrey (representing Rolling Thunder Inc.) will briefly speak about the history and significance of this event. After the speaker’s remarks, a bugler will play Amazing Grace, followed by a 3-volley rifle salute and the sounding of Taps.
The public is invited to attend and limited seating will be provided. Guests who do not wish to stand may bring their own lawn chairs.

2025 Tolling of the Boats Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park
2025-10-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
The United States Submarine Veterans Inc.’s Dorado Base will present their annual Tolling of the Boats ceremony at 1:00 PM on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
The commemoration ceremony will be held at the USS Dorado Memorial in Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park.
The ceremony will include a presentation of the Colors, the playing of the National Anthem, an Invocation, keynote speaker, a reading of all lost US submarines, and the sounding of Taps.
The event is open to the public but since seating will be limited, visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
For additional information, see https://ussdorado.org/.

2025 Veterans Day Commemoration at Veterans Memorial Park
2025-11-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On Tuesday, November 11th at 11:00 am at the Flag Pavilion of Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park, a ceremony will be held to honor all United States Military Veterans. The event will begin with the National Anthem, followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, invocation and brief opening remarks. The Master of Ceremonies will then introduce the guest speaker: US Army Veteran Timothy Yde. Following the speaker’s remarks, a bugler will play Amazing Grace. A three-volley rifle salute will be fired, followed by the sounding of Taps to conclude the event.
This event is open to the public. Limited seating will be provided but guests are always welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.

2025 Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration
2025-12-07 13:00 - 13:30 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
At 1:00 pm on Sunday, December 7th there will be a commemoration of Pearl Harbor Day at Veterans Memorial Park in Wichita. The site of the event will be the Pearl Harbor Survivor’s Association Memorial, which is adjacent to the WWII Memorial. Buglers will play the National Anthem to begin the ceremony, followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. After the placement of a wreath, the Master of Ceremonies will offer a few remarks about the significance of the event. The ceremony will conclude with a 3 volley rifle salute and the sounding of Taps. This commemoration is open to the public. As this is a short event, no seating will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own chairs if they wish to be seated.

2026 Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration
2026-03-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
On March 29th, 2026 at 1:00 pm, the Veterans Memorial Park Board will host a Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration in Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park. The event will be held at the Park’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This commemoration will start with the Presentation of Colors followed by the National Anthem, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. The guest speaker will be USAF Veteran Duane Loeck. Following his remarks the American Legion Post 4 Honor Guard will fire a 3-volley rifle salute. The ceremony will conclude with the sounding of Taps. The public is invited and since seating will be limited, guests should bring their own chairs if they wish to be seated.

2026 Memorial Day Commemoration at Veterans Memorial Park
2026-05-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita, KS, 67203, United States
At 11:00 am on Memorial Day, May 25th 2026, the Veterans Memorial Park Board will host a commemoration at the Flag Pavilion of Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park. The event will commence with the presentation of the Colors by the Mead Middle School Color Guard, followed by the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and an Invocation. The Master of Ceremonies will offer a few remarks and introduce the guest speaker, Major General (Retired) David Weishaar. From 2020-2023, General Weishaar served as the Kansas Adjutant General. Following the speaker’s address, the Marine Corps League will render a 3-volley rifle salute, followed by the sounding of Taps. This event is open to the public and although there will be some available seating, guests may want to bring their own lawn chairs to be assured of a place to sit.
Fifteen minutes after the VMP commemoration, the Delano Wind Ensemble conducted by James Oliphant will perform a patriotic band concert at the Park’s nearby Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Seating will not be provided at this location. The public is invited to attend one or both of these events.
