Topeka Zoo holds Veterans Day festivities to honor servicemembers

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kay McFarland Trust kicked off its first annual Veterans Appreciation event on Monday as Veterans Day approaches.

Veterans from all branches gathered over lunch on Nov. 3 at the Topeka Zoo to hear from former service members and enjoy the Capital City Chorus’ performances of  “Armed Forces Medley” and “America the Beautiful.” The Kay McFarland Foundation’s dedication to honoring veterans made the event possible.

“We want them to be appreciated, and we will continue to do this... around Veterans Day,” said Elaine Schwatrz, Kay McFarland Foundation trustee. “They sacrificed a lot for our country, so we deserve to give it back.”

Eric Rohleder is the deputy director for the Kansas Office of Veterans Services and served in the Air Force for 21 years. Upon leaving duty, Rohelder regretted not getting involved in activities like these sooner.

“There’s hundreds of events all around Kansas, all around your communities, and really take part in those because it means a lot. Not just to the veterans, but, you know, the people that put it on,” Rohelder said. “They really want to honor us as veterans.”

These events allow veterans from multiple branches to interact and explore resources from the countless providers typically present. Organizers hope to make the salute to armed services an annual event.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.