Johnson County’s 2024 Veterans Day Observance is scheduled at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Kansas Army National Guard Armory, 18200 West 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, located just west of Renner Road. Celebrating its 38th year, the county’s public event annually honors all veterans from all Armed Forces for their military service.

The observance will be livestreamed on Johnson County’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jocogov and online at jocogov.org/JoCoHonorsVets.

Featured speakers this year will reflect on the 80th anniversary of the G.I. Bill. Eric Rohleder, deputy director of the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office and Air Force veteran, will share how educational benefits have helped millions of active-duty military and veterans.

Joel Evans, a doctoral student at the University of Kansas – Edwards Campus, plans to speak about how he used benefits from the U.S. Army to complete a bachelor’s degree, master ’s degree and part of his Ph.D. The GI Bill was largely the brainchild of the American Legion and a Kansan.

Harry W. Colmery of Topeka, Republican National Committee chairman and a former National Commander of the American Legion, is credited with writing the first draft of the GI Bill. He reportedly jotted down his ideas on stationery and a napkin in late 1943 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, the official name of the legislation, was introduced in Congress in January 1944 and signed into law on June 22.

The Veterans Day ceremony will also include the American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City and the Shawnee Mission North High School JROTC. Mike Kelly, chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners, will emcee the event that features:

• Challenge coins to attending veterans while available supply lasts
• Presentation of colors
• Display of memorial wreaths recognizing veteran organizations and honoring veterans serving in global wars and conflicts
• Playing of “Taps”

More information about the 2024 Veterans Day observance is available by contacting the Johnson County Manager’s Office at 913-715-0725 or visiting the county’s website at jocogov.org.