Catholic priest Emil Kapaun to be honored
Committee must choose artist before Statehouse memorial
Emil Joseph Kapaun, the Catholic priest and Army chaplain from Kansas who died in the Korean War, will be honored with a permanent memorial at the Kansas Statehouse.
Gov. Laura Kelly on Friday signed Senate Bill 431 after it passed the Legislature unanimously. The new law directs the Capitol Preservation Committee to establish a permanent memorial honoring Kapaun’s life.
“Father Emil Kapaun was known for his selfless, dedicated service and providing care to all, regardless of their religion or beliefs,” Kelly said in a statement. “I am proud to honor his legacy and sacrifices for our country by signing this bipartisan bill.”
The memorial will be financed through gifts or other private funds. As is typical for Statehouse memorials, taxpayer money will not be used for creation of the memorial.
Kapaun was born in Pilsen in 1916 and ordained as a Roman Catholic priest by the Diocese of Wichita in 1940. He was a captain in the U.S. Army, serving as a chaplain in both World War II and the Korean War. He was captured in Korea and died as a prisoner of war in 1951.
“Father Kapaun’s bravery and service is commendable,” said Sen. Chase Blasi, R-Wichita and a member of the committee, in the governor’s press release. “He worked tirelessly to care for many courageous Americans fighting for our freedom in both World War II and the Korean War. It’s an honor to recognize his commitment and valor with this memorial.”
Kapaun was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously, and he is the most highly decorated chaplain in Army history. He is also a candidate for sainthood with the Catholic Church.
“Chaplain Father Emil Kapaun served his country and his fellow pris
tion out there. Let us show you what that is. The trades are a great way to make a living.”
Painting, home loans and interior design part of construction world
Nelson said there are many misconceptions surrounding what it means to work in the trades, including that everyone has to work out in the elements and use a hammer and nails.
“There are opportunities for everybody. Painting, home loans, interior design. They’re all construction-related,” said Nelson.
During Build My Future, industry leaders in carpentry, heavy equipment, welding, concrete, electrical and more spend the day guiding students through engaging activities that introduce participants to careers in each field.
“We ask the adults (who bring students) not to hover because we want kids to come in and build their own futures,” said Nelson. “Students get to see, touch and feel. They can pick up saws, install roofing tiles, weld and use the virtual painting station. They get to operate heavy equipment like forklifts, scissor lifts and bucket lifts in the parking lot with certified operators.”
Nelson said there’s also some time for fun and games. Event sponsor Custom Wood Products provided belt sander races last year, and Nelson anticipates that the Army will return with pull-up races this year.
“Last year was so amazing. We had 540 kids registered, and we’re projecting that we’ll have 800 this year,” said Nelson.
Build My Future event expands to include freshmen, sophomores, more
Build my Future is geared toward high school students grades 9 through 12, but Nelson said she’s received calls from a wide range of individuals interested in participating, including from as far away as Nebraska.
“We started out just juniors and seniors, but we felt like we should open this to all high school students,” she said. “Then a middle school called and asked if they could come, and we decided that the earlier we introduce the trades to young people, the sooner they may get an idea of what they want to do.”
Along with welcoming middle school groups, Nelson said she’s also had interest from individuals in their 20s who are looking for careers in construction.
“Ninety percent of the contractors who will be there this year are looking for employees,” said Nelson. “Everyone has to register, but those looking for jobs in the trades are welcome as well.”
With the average age of a general contractor currently at 60 years old, Nelson said this event gives industry leaders and business owners an opportunity to recruit young people to the profession and to their businesses.
“For the vendors, it gets their name out to the public and shows that they’re willing to back the community,” she said. “Topeka Area Building Association is a 100% community-driven organization.”
Group still looking for additional vendors and sponsorships for event
Nelson said the organization is still looking for additional vendors and sponsorships from the community for this year’s event.
“It takes a lot to make this program work, and we have to work together,“said Nelson.
Here’s how to register for Build My Future event
Individual students and school groups can register for Build My Future by visiting the Topeka Area Building Association website.
Businesses interested in providing financial support or participating in Build My Future 2024 should call the Topeka Area Building Association office at 785273-1260 or email info@buildingtopeka.org to learn how they can help.
“We’re here for the community, to help Topeka grow and thrive,” Nelson said. “We can’t do that alone. The money we raise from this event helps fund the event. Any excess money goes to buy tools for kids going into the trades, books, competition fees.
“The money is going back into the community for students and young adults.”