Governor signs bill for Fr. Kapaun memorial at Capitol

Laura McMillan
·2 min read
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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A memorial to Fr. Emil Kapaun at the Kansas Capitol is becoming closer to reality. On Friday, Governor Laura Kelly signed a bipartisan bill in favor of a memorial to him.

In this photo provided by Col. Raymond A. Skeehan, Father Emil Kapaun celebrates Mass using the hood of his jeep as an altar, as his assistant, Patrick J. Schuler, kneels in prayer in Korea on Oct. 7, 1950, less than a month before Kapaun was taken prisoner. Kapaun died in a prisoner of war camp on May 23, 1951, his body wracked by pneumonia and dysentery. (Courtesy AP and Catholic Diocese of Wichita)

Kapaun, from Pilsen, Kansas, served as an Army chaplain and captain during the Korean War. He is the most highly decorated chaplain in Army history. He was captured while refusing to leave the wounded and died as a prisoner of war in 1951.

“Father Emil Kapaun was known for his selfless, dedicated service and providing care to all, regardless of their religion or beliefs,” Kelly said. “I am proud to honor his legacy and sacrifices for our country by signing this bipartisan bill.”

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Senate Bill 431 directs the Capitol Preservation Committee to create a memorial honoring Kapaun.

“Father Kapaun’s bravery and service is commendable,” State Senator Chase Blasi of Wichita said. “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.”

“Chaplain Father Emil Kapaun served his country and his fellow prisoners of war, regardless of their religion or creed,” State Senator Rick Wilborn of McPherson said. “It is only fitting that we honor this native Kansan with an image in our state Capitol where every visitor and public servant may profit by his example.”

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“It is an honor to co-sponsor Senate Bill 431 to commemorate our Kansas hero, Father Kapaun,” State Senator Elaine Bowers of Concordia said. “As a member of the Capitol Preservation Committee, I pledge to see this memorial through the final stage of approval and permanent, prominent placement in the Statehouse.”

The bill says the money for a memorial will come from grants, gifts, contributions, and bequests. It also calls for an Emil Joseph Kapaun memorial fund in the state treasury. The money in the fund will be used to create and construct the memorial.

Click here to learn more about Kapaun and the effort to get him declared a saint.

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