Armed Forces Day is observed annually on the third Saturday in May to honor and thank our U.S. military for their contributions to the defense of our nation. In the aftermath of World War II, national leaders sought to unify all military services under the umbrella of one federal department. Congress updated the National Security Act in 1947 establishing the Department of Defense, and the creation of Armed Forces Day was announced by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson on August 31, 1949. The single-day celebration was intended to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force Days and promote unity among the military branches. May 20, 1950 marked the first Armed Forces Day, and the theme for the special occasion was “Teamed for Defense.” Declared by President Harry S. Truman, the event was marked with parades, open houses, receptions, flyovers and air shows. Americans joined together to honor the Armed Forces and show their appreciation and support for the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.
On Armed Forces Day in 2002, approximately 100 people from Kearny County and the surrounding area braved a chilly morning air to attend a veterans recognition ceremony and the dedication of a M60A3 tank on the court house lawn. Representative Gary Hayzlett, emcee for the ceremony, led the group in the “Pledge of Allegiance” as the American and POW flags waved gently in the morning breeze. Raymond Burch was presented the Bronze Star during the ceremonies, and Tim Blackburn led the crowd in singing, “God Bless America.” Pastor Linda Bolz of the United Methodist Church gave the benediction. To conclude the ceremony, Major Christopher Burr of Hutchinson assisted Memorial Building board member Della Enslow in unveiling a monument to honor all Kearny County veterans.
The veterans monument and Army tank before they were moved to the Lakin Cemetery.
Gary Hayzlett, State Representative at that time, was the emcee for the dedication ceremony on May 18, 2002. Sitting behind him left to right are Veterans Memorial Building Board members Norman Simshauser, Della Enslow and Billy Moore; County commissioner Corky Bless, Economic Development Director Ralph Goodnight, Pastor Linda Bolz, and Major Christopher Burr.Standing left to right behind the monument are Major Christopher Burr, Della Enslow, Dallas (Corky) Bless, Billy Moore and Norman Simshauser.
Discussion had begun a year earlier regarding the establishment of a veterans memorial. Olive Beaty made a generous donation to the Veterans Memorial Building Board, and after looking into the expense of erecting a memorial in front of the building, the board opted to get a tank, cannon or something else to honor the veterans. The project was turned over to the county commissioners who in turn appointed Paul Hendrix to oversee it. Hendrix drafted a letter to the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Warren, Michigan and received word on September 28, 2001 that a tank was available at Fort Riley. First, the tank had to be demilitarized by the MATES at the base. On February 7, 2002, SFC Greg Verdoorn of Army Detachment 1, 443rd Transportation Company out of Dodge City received the release notice on the M60A43, and on February 15, the unit went to Fort Riley to load the tank and returned to Dodge City that night. On February 16, the unit left Dodge at 8 a.m. and entered Main Street in Lakin just before 10 a.m. Three U.S. Army vehicles and seven soldiers blocked off the street and had the tank unloaded and situated on a recently poured concrete pad before noon.
Members of Army Detachment 1, 443rd Transportation Company of Dodge City pose for a picture after delivering the M60A3 tank.
The M60A3 was the latest in a long series of improvements to the original M60, the first American main battle tank which entered service in 1960. The tank was last produced for the U.S. Army in 1980, but production of the unit for Foreign Military Sales continued until May 1985. The 31’6” long tank is 12’1” wide and 10’8” tall. Carrying 375 gallons of fuel, the system had a combat weight of 57.5 tons, a top speed of 30 miles per hours, and a cruising range of 280 miles. The M60A3 was manned by a commander, gunner, loader and driver when in action. The main gun was the M68 105 mm rifled cannon with a secondary armament including an M85 .50 caliber machine gun, an M240 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and two six-barreled smoke grenade launchers. The tank carried 63 main gun rounds, 900 .50 caliber rounds, and 5,950 7.62 mm rounds.
In 2005, the governing board of Lakin Cemetery District #2 and county commissioners agreed to relocate the M60A3 to the Lakin Cemetery. At the time, Lakin was undergoing a major Main Street renovation, and changes were made to the courthouse lawn as a result of the street improvements. There was more room at the cemetery to build an appropriate memorial there so the tank and monument were both transferred. The cemetery’s new Veterans Memorial featuring five walls representing each branch of the military and engraved with the names of local veterans was dedicated Veterans Day, November 11, 2008. The tank is a fitting accent to the memorial.
Armed Forces Days is this Saturday, May 17. Consider showing your support and appreciation for our military by wearing red, white, and blue; displaying the American flag, thanking those who serve or have served, and or donating to veteran or military-based organizations.
SOURCES: Archives of The Lakin Independent and Garden City Telegram; Museum archives; Marines.mil; mysticstamp.com, and govinfo.gov.
