Veterans Memorial Garden
Honoring Those Who Served
- Funds raised: Ongoing support through commemorative bricks and donations.
- Date established: 1991
- Endowment: Helps maintain the Garden
The Project
A Space of Remembrance
In June 1989, thousands gathered in Antelope Park to view the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. This event transformed a simple ball field into a space of remembrance.
By 1991, the Persian Gulf War brought a new wave of pride and patriotism. Our community came together to create the Veterans Memorial Garden — a permanent space honoring veterans of all eras. An Advisory Council was formed to guide its development.
Enduring Honor: Renovating the Garden
We led the “Enduring Honor” campaign to renovate the Veterans Memorial Garden. This project raised funds to replace the remaining original Bricks of Honor holders and bricks.
We’re deeply grateful to the many donors and organizations who made this project possible.
Growing a Memorial
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Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
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Memorials honoring those who served in major conflicts
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Tributes to various military branches and units
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Monuments recognizing specific groups (e.g., Women Service Pilots, Tuskegee Airmen)
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MIA/POW Memorial
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Bricks honoring individual service members
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Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
-
Memorials honoring those who served in major conflicts
-
Tributes to various military branches and units
-
Monuments recognizing specific groups (e.g., Women Service Pilots, Tuskegee Airmen)
-
MIA/POW Memorial
-
Bricks honoring individual service members
See all monuments
Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, Sgt. Reuben S. Fuss Bench, Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, US Navy Seabees, US Marine Corps 1775, Special Forces – Silent Knight Warriors, China Burma India, Purple Heart Recipients, Disabled American Veterans (All Wars), US Navy Armed Guard WWII, All American Ex-Prisoners of War, 551st Strategic Missile Squadron, All Airmen, Nebraska’s WWII Women Service Pilots, Nebraskans Who Served, US Merchant Marines, US Coast Guard, Bricks of Honor, Silent Death – The Final Chapter, MIA POW, Korean War Memorial, WWII, Statue of Liberty replica, 1917-1918 Memorial Avenue Tribute, Tuskegee Airmen & Buffalo Soldiers, Airborne, Nebraska’s Fallen Heroes Post 9-11, Military Medical Personnel, All Military Women, Doolittle Raiders, 98th Air Refueling Vets Association, K-9 Corps, and All Veterans of the Civil War.
Bricks of Honor: A Lasting Tribute
At the heart of the garden is our Bricks of Honor program. For $150, community members can dedicate a brick to honor a veteran, creating a tribute that also supports the garden’s maintenance and improvements.
In 2021, we launched the Bricks of Honor Fund, inspired by the family of Sgt. Claude Frerichs. This fund allows us to provide bricks free of charge to veterans facing financial challenges.
A Place for Reflection and Remembrance
The garden hosts events throughout the year on days like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and an annual June dedication event.