Memorial Day 2025: Honoring Kansas Veterans and Their Families

As we approach Memorial Day on May 26, 2025, we pause to reflect on the profound sacrifices made by U.S. veterans and their families, particularly those from Kansas, who have defended our nation, its Constitution, and the freedoms we cherish. From the battlefields of World War I to the deserts of Iraq, Kansas veterans have answered the call of duty with courage, honor, and an unwavering commitment to liberty. This Memorial Day, we express our deepest gratitude for their service and the enduring legacy of those who gave their lives for our country.

Kansas has a proud military heritage, with its sons and daughters serving in every major conflict of the past century. During World War I, Kansans fought in the trenches of Europe, contributing to the Allied victory that reshaped the global order. The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City stands as a testament to their bravery, hosting events like the Memorial Day weekend display of vintage military vehicles from conflicts including World War I, World War II, Korea, and Desert Storm. These events remind us of the Kansans who served in the Great War, enduring unimaginable hardships to secure peace.

In World War II, Kansas veterans were among the millions who mobilized to defeat tyranny. From the beaches of Normandy to the Pacific Theater, they fought in what became the deadliest conflict in human history, with an estimated 50 to 70 million fatalities worldwide. Kansans like Melvin Gelfand, a Navy radar technician who witnessed the iconic flag-raising on Iwo Jima, exemplified the courage of the Greatest Generation. Their sacrifices ensured the freedoms we enjoy today, and their stories resonate in communities across Kansas.

The Korean War, often called the “Forgotten War,” saw Kansans stand firm on freedom’s frontier. From 1950 to 1953, over 1.5 million Americans, including many from Kansas, served in this brutal conflict. The Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial in Kansas City honors the nearly 37,000 American lives lost, including those from Kansas who faced harsh conditions to defend South Korea against communist aggression. Their resilience reminds us that liberty demands constant vigilance.

The Vietnam War brought unique challenges for Kansas veterans. From 1964 to 1973, they served in a conflict marked by division at home and intense combat abroad. Over 58,000 Americans lost their lives, and many Kansans returned to a nation that often failed to honor their service. Veterans like those from Kansas, who endured the jungles and the indifference upon returning, deserve our gratitude for their steadfast duty despite adversity. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243’s display of a Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter in Kansas City this Memorial Day weekend serves as a powerful tribute to their sacrifice.

Operation Desert Storm in 1991 showcased the swift and decisive action of Kansas veterans. In just 100 hours of ground combat, they helped liberate Kuwait from Iraqi forces. Kansans like Delbert Thomas Byes, who served in the Air Force during Desert Storm, exemplified the professionalism of an all-volunteer force. The upcoming Salute to Service program at the Virginia War Memorial in 2026, marking 35 years since Desert Storm, underscores the lasting impact of their contributions.

In the Global War on Terror, including Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn, Kansas veterans faced prolonged deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. These conflicts, spanning from 2001 to 2021, claimed over 7,300 American lives and left thousands wounded. Kansans like Casey McCabe, an Army veteran from Montgomery County who transitioned to a career with the National Park Service, demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of those who served. Their sacrifices in these complex, decentralized wars have shaped modern warfare and our nation’s commitment to freedom.

The families of Kansas veterans also bear the weight of sacrifice. Spouses, children, and parents endure long separations, uncertainty, and, for some, the profound loss of loved ones. Their strength fortifies our communities, from Topeka, Salina, Lindsborg, Abilene and McPherson to Hutchinson, Newton, Great Bend, Lyons and Wichita, their stories are woven into the fabric of Kansas.

This Memorial Day, let us honor Kansas veterans and their families by attending local events, such as those at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, or by simply saying, “Thank you for your service.” We can donate to veteran organizations, fly the flag, or listen to a veteran’s story. Unlike Veterans Day, Memorial Day is a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and in Kansas, we hold their memory dear. Their legacy—rooted in courage and sacrifice—ensures that our freedoms endure. Let us commit to supporting our veterans and their families, today and always, in gratitude for their service to our nation.