Omaha Lights Memorial Park in Red, White, and Blue for 10th Annual Veterans Tribute
The city of Omaha lit Memorial Park in red, white, and blue to honor area veterans as part of its 10th annual Veterans Shine On Lighting Ceremony, 3newsnow.com reported. Mayor John Ewing Jr. and his brother, Eric Ewing—a Navy veteran who delivered the keynote speech—were at the event, which featured the grand lighting of the World War II Colonnade, according to KETV and 3newsnow.com.
The holiday lighting display aims to offer residents a moment to reflect on the service and sacrifice of local military members. “The lights that shine brightly on us tonight remain in our hearts. And may veterans know we don’t just think you for your service. We are here for you as well,” Mayor John Ewing Jr. said, as reported by KETV. Dwain Holmes, a veteran who served 18 months in Vietnam, emphasized to 3newsnow.com that community members should recognize veterans beyond a single day on the calendar. “Freedom isn’t free and a lot of people have no idea the cost, the price that’s been paid for the freedom, so anytime there’s something like this that draws attention to veterans I’m all for it,” Holmes said.
Upcoming Parades and Community Events Across Nebraska and Iowa
Additional tributes and community gatherings are scheduled throughout the region this week. Nebraska’s official Veterans Day Parade will take place in Bellevue on Saturday at 10 a.m. down Mission Avenue, 3newsnow.com reported. Across the river, Council Bluffs, Iowa, will host its own Veterans Day Parade on Saturday at 11 a.m. American Legion Post 1 is hosting a community ceremony at Memorial Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day. Several local establishments are offering free breakfasts for veterans on Saturday, including Greta Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Post 2 in Council Bluffs, and Defiant Harley-Davidson. KETV noted that more formal Veterans Day ceremonies are planned for Wednesday across the area.