Omaha, Neb. – The city’s Memorial Park glowed in red, white and blue on Thursday evening as part of the 10th annual Veterans Shine On Lighting Ceremony. The event, organized by the American Legion Post 1, highlighted the community’s gratitude for those who have served the United States.
Key moments of the ceremony
The centerpiece of the evening was the grand illumination of the World War II Colonnade, a historic structure that honors the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation. Mayor John Ewing’s brother, Eric Ewing, a Navy veteran, delivered the keynote address, urging residents to remember the cost of liberty.
Vietnam‑era veteran Dwain Holmes, who served 18 months overseas, spoke passionately about the need to thank veterans every day, not just on a single holiday. “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.
Additional veteran‑focused events
Beyond the lighting ceremony, the region will host several Veterans Day activities. Nebraska’s official Veterans’ Day Parade will roll through Bellevue this Saturday at 10 a.m. along Mission Avenue. Across the state line, Council Bluffs, Iowa, will hold its own parade at 11 a.m.
In Omaha, a community ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 1 will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day at Memorial Park, offering a chance for families and friends to gather, reflect, and honor service members.
Veterans in the area can also enjoy a free breakfast on Saturday, provided by Greta Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Post 2 in Council Bluffs, and Defiant Harley‑Davidson.
Community response
Local residents praised the city’s effort to spotlight veterans. Many noted that the lighting display not only beautified downtown Omaha but also served as a visual reminder of the sacrifices made for the nation’s freedoms.
City officials said the ceremony aligns with Omaha’s broader commitment to supporting veterans and their families, reinforcing the city’s tradition of honoring service through public events and community outreach.
The Veterans Shine On Lighting Ceremony marks a decade of continued recognition for those who have defended the Constitution and the values that bind families and faith communities across Nebraska.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
