Local Partners Launch Beyond the Banners Volume II -Publication Honors over 400 Service Men & Women
by Jessica Buchholz, Events Coordinator | November 1, 2024
Emporia, KS — Emporia Main Street, KVOE Radio Stations, and IM Design Group are proud to announce the release of the second edition of Beyond the Banners, a commemorative book celebrating over 400 Veterans that have been featured in Emporia Main Street’s Veterans Banner Program. Since its inception in 2014, this program has honored local and area veterans through banner displays in Emporia’s downtown area and on Emporia State University’s campus. What started as a simple idea has grown into a beloved community tradition that has inspired similar programs across Kansas and the nation. This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Emporia Main Street Veterans Program.
The first edition of Beyond the Banners was published in 2017 and was inspired by the stories of the service men and women as they became part of the Veterans Banner Program. Volume II of Beyond the Banners is a full-color, 172 page soft-cover book. The book features over 100 personal stories of Veterans from all wars and conflicts and active-duty military personnel. Each page brings readers closer to the service members who have contributed to the freedoms we enjoy today.
By presenting these stories, the book serves as a reminder of the community’s enduring commitment to veterans.
“We’re so proud of what the Veterans Banner program has become,” said Jessica Buchholz, Community Development Coordinator for Emporia Main Street. “Beyond the Banners is a tribute to the selfless service of our veterans, preserving their stories in a way that will resonate with future generations. Each year, our community grows closer through these displays of appreciation and remembrance.”
In addition to designing and producing the banners with Emporia Main Street, IM Design Group has played an instrumental part in the publishing of both editions of Beyond the Banners.
“It has been an honor for us to design both the book and the banners,” said Tracy Weltha, IM Design Group Partner. “The photos and family stories are inspiring. We are truly thankful that we could lend our creative talents to bring this project to life.”
The publication will sell for $10 a copy, or readers can purchase three copies for $25. Currently, Beyond the Banners can be preordered by clicking HERE, with a pickup date of Monday, November 4th, 2024.
After November 4th, books will be available for purchase online, at Middle Ground Books (606 Commercial Street), Emporia Main Street (727 Commercial Street), and KVOE (1420 C of E Drive). Shipping is also available for online purchases.
All proceeds from Beyond the Banners will directly support local Veterans’ initiatives. Members of the Beyond the Banners Committee are giving area residents the opportunity to offer suggestions where the proceeds go. Suggestions can be submitted by completing an online form, and then will be reviewed by the Beyond the Banners committee.
“We are excited to directly benefit local Veterans and local Veterans’ organizations with 100% of the proceeds, said Erren Harter, Promotions Director at KVOE. “Emporia has a long-standing tradition of supporting Veterans and we are happy to continue that tradition with Beyond the Banners.”
For readers that would like to offer suggestions on where proceeds should be allocated, they can fill out an online form HERE. All submissions must be received by November 15th, 2024. Please note that completing a form does not guarantee that your suggestion/organization/program will receive funds.
For more information on Beyond the Banners or to purchase a copy, please contact Emporia Main Street at 620-342-6430 or KVOE at 620-342-1400 or visit one of the sales locations after November 4th.
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