Nebraska honors Korean War veterans with statewide recognition initiative

OMAHA, Neb. —

Nebraska leaders honored Korean War veterans Monday during a recognition ceremony at American Legion Post 1 in Omaha, thanking those who served and highlighting the sacrifices made during what is often called the “Forgotten War.”

The ceremony recognized living Korean War veterans in attendance as part of a statewide initiative launched earlier this year by Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Organizers say the goal is to recognize veterans while they are still able to hear the gratitude from the communities they served.

“They’re getting older. It’s a generation. They’re well in their 90s now. And we’re just trying to recognize their service that they did for our country,” said Lennie Roth, commander of American Legion Post 1.

The Korean War recognition program provides surviving veterans with a state recognition coin honoring their service. More than 250 veterans across Nebraska have received the recognition so far.

About 55,000 Nebraskans served during the Korean War, with 318 losing their lives. Another 56 Nebraskans remain unaccounted for, according to state officials. An estimated 2,400 Korean War veterans are still living in Nebraska.

Organizers say preserving the stories of these veterans is especially important as fewer remain.

“We need to look into our history longer and stronger now,” Roth said. “So it’s great to do these moments.”

Nebraska is currently the only state with this type of Korean War veteran recognition program, and officials hope other states follow its example.

Veterans who served during the Korean War can still be nominated to receive a recognition coin. Veterans, family members, or community members can submit nominations through the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.