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EMPORIA, Kan. (WIBW) – In the home of the first Veterans Day, Emporia, Kan., the community came out for various events to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces.

“It’s always meant a lot to the people,” said Paul Burris, a WWII Air-Force veteran, waving and enjoying the town’s parade.

So much so that back in 1953, the people of Emporia thought it important to expand Armistice Day, which marks the end of WWI, but to expand it to honoring all war veterans.

The day became a nationwide holiday in 1954, when President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law.

Veterans Day 2009 was a special one for Emporia, and especially for one local man.

Jesse Solis, knocked on every door, and called every organization in Emporia to make a dream of his come true.

Bright green highway signs that proudly proclaim Emporia as Veterans Day’s founding city.

"We need to let the world know that Emporia, my hometown is the founding place of Veterans Day,” Solis said.

Very soon, four of those signs will be hung at the north, south, east, and west entry points into Emporia.

Solis said the signs will not only let those from out of town know how much Emporia cares about veterans, but will also educate Emporia’s children on the city’s history.

Which is why Beverly Johaning brought the kids from her day care out to the Veterans parade, bundled in their coats, scarves and hats on the chilly morning.

She said it’s important for them to learn from an early age what veterans have done for America.

"We want to teach them about how the veterans saved our country and how lucky we are to be American, to have our freedom."