Franklin County Honors

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Memorial Day is more than the start of summer — it is a day of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Here in Franklin County, we honor not only the fallen heroes from across our country, but especially those from our own communities whose names and stories remain part of our shared history.

As you spend time with family and friends today, we encourage everyone to take a moment to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and the cost of freedom.

“We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.”

From all of us at Franklin County Honors, thank you to our fallen heroes and their families. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

05/03/2026

FYI

The National WWI Museum and Memorial opened in 1926 in commemoration of the 441 Kansas Citians who gave their lives in service to the United States during World War I.

Memorial Day in 2026 feels especially meaningful as the Memorial marks 100 years in the Kansas City community. We honor their sacrifice every day - with special emphasis on their stories during Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25.

Active-duty service members and veterans (plus spouses and dependents with ID) receive free admission. Members of the public receive half-priced admission all weekend long. Plan your visit: https://theworldwar.org/memorialday

2026 Memorial Day is sponsored by E&K Companies, GEHA Health, Hunt Family Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW and Weather or Not, Inc. This event is supported in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.

02/24/2026

We had a quilting group reach out, looking for veterans in the Williamsburg area, so they can make them patriotic quilts.

Please tag them in the post or send us their names via a DM.

11/20/2025

A huge thank you to the Ottawa High School FFA, Troop 74, Cub Scout Pack 3079, and Explorers Post #8248 – FRSO/OPD/WPD for your outstanding help breaking down the displays and taking down the flags today.

Your teamwork, positive attitude, and commitment to our community make all the difference. We couldn’t do this without you, and we’re grateful to each of you who showed up and put in the work.

Thank you for helping us honor our community with pride and respect.

If your group is interested in help to set up or break down next year, please reach out.

11/15/2025

A huge thank you to everyone in our community who helped make this year’s Veterans Day Parade such a meaningful and successful event. From the volunteers and organizers to the families who lined the streets, your support truly made the day special.

Stephen E. Ambrose reminds us why days like this matter:

“At the core, the American citizen soldiers knew the difference between right and wrong, and they didn't want to live in a world in which wrong prevailed. So they fought, and won, and we all of us, living and yet to be born, must be forever profoundly grateful.”

Your presence, your enthusiasm, and your gratitude showed exactly that spirit. Seeing our community come together—kids waving flags, neighbors cheering, veterans honored—was a powerful reminder of what binds us together.

Thank you to everyone who played a part, big or small. Proud to be part of this incredible community.

11/11/2025

11/08/2025

It’s a beautiful day for a parade!

The weather couldn’t be better, so come on down to downtown Ottawa this morning for the Veterans Day Parade at 10:45 a.m.!

It’s a great day to honor our veterans, enjoy the sunshine, and celebrate together as a community. See you there! ☀️🇺🇸

11/08/2025

Veterans Day Parade – Tomorrow in Ottawa!

Don’t forget to join us tomorrow for the Veterans Day Parade in downtown Ottawa! The ceremony at the memorial begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the parade at 10:45 a.m.

Come out to honor our veterans and show your support for those who have served and continue to serve our country. Bring your family, wave those flags, and help make this an incredible community celebration!

🇺🇸

11/06/2025

11/06/2025

📣 Looking to Borrow a Golf Cart or UTV📣

We’re looking to borrow a golf cart or UTV this Saturday morning to help with the parade!

We’ll need it from 8:30 a.m. to around noon, and it will stay at Forest Park the entire time. It’ll be used to help line up parade entries before the parade begins.

Our usual source isn’t available this year, so if anyone has one we could borrow, we’d really appreciate it!

Thank you in advance for your help!