"The capitol preservation committee shall approve plans to place a permanent memorial honoring the life of Emil Joseph Kapaun."
Senate Bill 431
THE MEMORIAL PROJECT
The Spring 2024 session of the Kansas Legislature unanimously passed a bill which was signed into law to memorialize Kapaun on the grounds of the Kansas Capitol Building in Topeka.
The Chaplain Father Emil J. Kapaun Memorial seeks to design and erect a timeless and dignified statue of this heroic Kansan. The statue will be life-size or larger, made of bronze and placed on a pedestal.
The statue will incorporate three major themes from Kapaun's life:
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His Kansas agricultural roots
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His Catholic priestly vocation
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His exemplary military service
More details will be shared when an artist is selected and renderings become available.
If you or an artist you know is interested in submitting an application, please follow the link below to answer our request for qualifications, open until July 31, 2024.
CHAPLAIN KAPAUN MEMORIAL COMMITTEE
Senator Chase Blasi, Committee Chair
Kansas Senate, District 27 & Member, Capitol Preservation Committee
Wichita, Kansas
Michael Kelly, Committee Vice Chair
President, Jayhawk Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America
Lawrence, Kansas
Scott Carter, Treasurer
Father Kapaun Guild
Colwich, Kansas
Ray Kapaun
Kapaun Family Representative
Coupeville, Washington
Bishop Carl Kemme
Catholic Diocese of Wichita
Wichita, Kansas
Gail & Marissa Makovec
Pilsen Community Representatives
Pilsen, Kansas
Lucrecia Nold
Kansas Catholic Conference
Topeka, Kansas
Mike Grothoff
Immediate Past Kansas State Deputy, Knights of Columbus
Olathe, Kansas
Colonel John Potter
Command Chaplain, Kansas National Guard
Topeka, Kansas
Representative Jake LaTurner
United States Congressman, Second District of Kansas
Pittsburg, Kansas
Darren Beckham, Committee Secretary
Kansas Senate Staff
Topeka, Kansas
© 2024 Chaplain Kapaun Memorial Committee
424 N Broadway Ave | Wichita, KS 67202