Rotary Club of Colby honors service at annual Veterans Luncheon

The Rotary Club of Colby once again brought together community members, veterans, and students for its annual Veterans Luncheon, held Monday, November 4, at City Limits in Colby. The event, a cherished local tradition, served as both a heartfelt tribute to area veterans and a reminder of the community’s ongoing appreciation for those who have served in the armed forces.

This year’s luncheon featured guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Roger Linder, who delivered an inspiring talk centered on leadership and the lessons learned through military service. Rotary Club President Josh Ryan said Linder’s message struck a chord with attendees. “He gave a really good talk about what leadership means to him,” Ryan said. “You could see the veterans in the room connecting with his words.”

The luncheon drew a crowd of just over 100 guests, consistent with the strong turnout seen in previous years. The afternoon began with students from Sacred Heart School of Colby performing patriotic songs, setting a warm and reflective tone. Lunch—smothered pork chops with mashed potatoes and green beans—was prepared by Dana Broeckelman and her team at City Limits, continuing a long-standing partnership with the club.

A highlight of the program was Rotary’s annual donation to the Kansas Honor Flight, an organization that provides free trips for veterans to visit war memorials in Washington, D.C. This year’s contribution totaled roughly $3,800, raised through community donations and business sponsorships. Representing the Honor Flight program were Blair Niblock and Quinlee Leiker, who accepted the donation on behalf of the organization.

Ryan said the event remains one of Rotary’s most meaningful traditions. “It’s probably my favorite thing we do each year,” he said. “You can really tell the veterans appreciate it. It’s just a wonderful way to say thank you for all they’ve done.”

Community Invited to Veterans Day Parade

As the community continues its week of remembrance, residents are invited to participate in the 2025 Veterans Day Parade, set for Saturday, November 15, at 11 a.m. in downtown Colby. The parade lineup will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the north end of Franklin Avenue, with the route proceeding through downtown and concluding at the Thomas County Courthouse, where a brief ceremony will be held to honor local veterans.

Organizers encourage participants to decorate trailers, golf carts, bicycles, or even horses in patriotic themes, helping make this year’s event a memorable celebration of community pride. Following the courthouse ceremony, the Colby American Legion Post 363 will host a fellowship lunch at its post located at 1850 Range Avenue.

This year’s parade is sponsored by the Colby American Legion Post 363, Colby VFW Post 6882, Sons of the American Legion, and the Colby American Legion Riders.

Ryan said he hopes the energy from the luncheon carries into Saturday’s festivities. “Our veterans deserve a full week of recognition,” he said. “Between the luncheon, the parade, and everything else happening this weekend, I think it really shows how much this community values their service.”

For more information on the parade, residents can contact Ron Okie Donley at (785) 269-7187 or Sean Hankin at (785) 443-0956.