Mission Statement: To honor and support our veterans while fostering a sense of unity and patriotism within the El Dorado community through events, activities, and recognitions upholding the values of freedom, courage, and unity for generations to come.
The Celebration of Freedom committee consists of volunteers who donate their time and resources to support our veterans. A week of events each November honors the brave men and women who have selflessly served our great nation. The events celebrate their dedication and sacrifice, and allows the community to stand together, committed to supporting those who have given so much for our freedom. The events include a Parade, Salute to Veterans, Veteran of the Year and more!
Through our events, services, and donations, we strive to foster a spirit of unity, patriotism, and gratitude within our community. We believe in giving back to those who have given so much, and today is a perfect example of that commitment.
We could not offer these events in recognition of our Veterans without the work of numerous volunteers and the support of so many generous donors, along with the participation of the community. Together, we can continue to honor our Veterans and ensure they receive the care and recognition they so richly deserve.
In addition to the November events, the Celebration of Freedom is proud to be partnering with Kevlar K-9 and our generous donors since 2024 to provide service dogs to Veterans in need. Kevlar K-9 provides highly trained service animals to Veterans, helping them manage PTSD, anxiety, and other challenges they may face. These service dogs are more than companions; they are lifelines, offering support, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Service animals play an incredibly important role in the lives of Veterans. They assist with daily tasks, provide emotional support, and help manage the symptoms of PTSD. These dogs are trained to sense anxiety, offer comfort during panic attacks, and even wake Veterans from nightmares. But more than that, they offer something intangible—a sense of security, companionship, and hope. For many Veterans, these animals are the key to regaining their independence and reintegrating into society.
For more information, follow the committee's Facebook page @CelebrationofFreedomKS. To be part of this dedicated committee and events, please get in touch with the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce office or email celebrationoffreedomeldo@gmail.com.
2026 Schedule of Events:
Wednesday, November 11
Salute to Veterans
10:15 a.m. | First Christian Church, 300 W. Central Ave.
The morning begins with a performance by the First Christian Church Praise Band. The Salute to Veterans program starts at 11 a.m., featuring U.S. Air Force veteran Phil Wickwire and the presentation of Veteran of the Year. Lunch will follow at the church. Veterans eat free.
Program sponsored by American Legion Post 81. Lunch sponsored by First Christian Church.
Friday, November 13
Spotlight on Youth Elks Essay Contest & Ice Cream Social
7 p.m. | Elks Lodge, 121 E. Pine St.
Celebrate local youth through the Elks Essay Contest and enjoy an ice cream social.
Ice cream social sponsored by INTRUST Bank.
Saturday, November 14
Biscuit and Gravy Breakfast
8 to 10 a.m. | VFW Post 1174, 211 N. Main St.
Start the day with biscuits and gravy. A full order is $7, and a half order is $4. Veterans eat free.
Sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary Fred Priestly Post 1174.
Veterans Day Parade
11 a.m. | Downtown El Dorado
Honor our veterans at the parade, led by Grand Marshal William “Bill” Douglass. The route begins at Gordy Park, travels to Central, west to Taylor, north to First, east to Main and south back to Gordy Park. A People’s Choice Contest will take place at Gordy Park.
Hot Dog Feed
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Gordy Park, 300 S. Gordy St.
Enjoy free hot dogs at Gordy Park.
Sponsored by Butler Electric Cooperative.
Veterans Day Activities
Noon to 1 p.m. | Gordy Park, 300 S. Gordy St.
Bring the family for rock painting, coloring pages, letter writing and band performances.
Funded by El Dorado Charities Auxiliary.
WWII Reenactment & Weapons Demonstration
1 to 4 p.m. | Kansas Oil Museum, 383 E. Central Ave.
Visit the Kansas Oil Museum for a World War II reenactment and weapons demonstration.
Sunday, November 15
Elks Chicken and Noodle Dinner
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Elks Lodge, 121 E. Pine St.
Enjoy a chicken and noodle dinner for $10. Veterans eat free.
Sponsored by Elks Lodge 1407.
Butler Bands Musical Salute to Veterans
7 p.m. | Butler Welcome Center, 901 S. Haverhill Rd.
Close out Celebration of Freedom with a musical salute honoring our veterans.
Sponsored by Ted and Barbara Dankert.
Committee Members
Kristina Traina
Co - Chairman
Julie Clements
Co - Chairman
Neil Buckman
Jonathan Crook
Cally Bitterlin
Lewie Cooper
Nancy Gordon
Marsha Todd
Tobey Johnson
Steve Seymour
Vern Barker
Dave Brooks
Mike Maloney
Bill Mason
In Memory of the Founder of Celebration of Freedom
Thank you to our generous donors:
Gold Sponsors: Ted and Barb Dankert, HF Sinclair
Silver Sponsor: Danny Morrow
Bronze Sponsors: Emprise Bank, ICI, Commerce Bank, Hogoboom Oil Field Trucking, Velocity, Blackburn Construction, Community National Bank and Trust, Butler Electric Cooperative, INTRUST Bank
Event Sponsors: Ark Valley Credit Union, Jim Clements Painting the American West
In-Kind Sponsors: City of El Dorado, Prairie Pots, USD 490, Butler Veterans Across Campus, Butler Community College Life Enrichment, Prairie Trails Golf Course, Carlson and Kirby Morris Funeral Home, Event volunteers
Partner Organizations: American Legion Post 81, VFW Post 1174, El Dorado Elks Lodge #1407, Suzannah French Putney Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Kansas Oil Museum
2024 Service Dog Donors: HF Sinclair, Tim Underwood Family, Vornado, Prairie Port Festival Fund, and Ric and Becky Maerz
