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The sound of bagpipes echoed through Lincoln’s Wyuka Cemetery on Memorial Day as veterans, state leaders and community groups gathered to honor Americans killed in military service.A procession moved through rows of flag-draped graves Monday morning before a ceremony pushed attendees to reflect on the sacrifices of service members across generations of war.Nebraska Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly highlighted the stories of 53 Nebraska Army National Guard soldiers killed while helping liberate France from Nazi forces in 1944 during World War II.“The story of a few can remind us of the sacrifice of so many who died in service to the United States,” Kelly said.Kelly said the regiment played a key role in the Allied advance.“What pain that must have wrought here at home,” Kelly said. “The fallen and the survivors and the regiment were highly decorated for that campaign because it was instrumental in the push to Berlin.”Speakers also tied the observance to the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States, reflecting on sacrifices dating back to the Revolutionary War.“Today, we can include in our thoughts all of those who died in the Revolutionary War for our cause, as well as those founders who risked everything so that we could be here today,” Kelly said.The ceremony included wreath and flower presentations from several Lincoln-area organizations.Remarks also drifted to the present as conflict in the Middle East shadows the observance for the first time in years. Speakers honored Bellevue native MSgt. Noah Tietjiens, one of the first American casualties connected to the conflict.“For the soldier and for the family, Nebraskans turned out to pay tribute,” Kelly said.Organizers emphasized the importance of reaching out to veteran friends and family members.“Tell them as often as you can that you love them and that they matter,” said Greg Osborn of the Lincoln Memorial Day Association.
The sound of bagpipes echoed through Lincoln’s Wyuka Cemetery on Memorial Day as veterans, state leaders and community groups gathered to honor Americans killed in military service.
A procession moved through rows of flag-draped graves Monday morning before a ceremony pushed attendees to reflect on the sacrifices of service members across generations of war.
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Nebraska Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly highlighted the stories of 53 Nebraska Army National Guard soldiers killed while helping liberate France from Nazi forces in 1944 during World War II.
“The story of a few can remind us of the sacrifice of so many who died in service to the United States,” Kelly said.
Kelly said the regiment played a key role in the Allied advance.
“What pain that must have wrought here at home,” Kelly said. “The fallen and the survivors and the regiment were highly decorated for that campaign because it was instrumental in the push to Berlin.”
Speakers also tied the observance to the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States, reflecting on sacrifices dating back to the Revolutionary War.
“Today, we can include in our thoughts all of those who died in the Revolutionary War for our cause, as well as those founders who risked everything so that we could be here today,” Kelly said.
The ceremony included wreath and flower presentations from several Lincoln-area organizations.
Remarks also drifted to the present as conflict in the Middle East shadows the observance for the first time in years. Speakers honored Bellevue native MSgt. Noah Tietjiens, one of the first American casualties connected to the conflict.
“For the soldier and for the family, Nebraskans turned out to pay tribute,” Kelly said.
Organizers emphasized the importance of reaching out to veteran friends and family members.
“Tell them as often as you can that you love them and that they matter,” said Greg Osborn of the Lincoln Memorial Day Association.
