The Vietnam War Memorial

The Vietnam War was one of the most controversial Wars in our nation, dividing our country almost as bad as the Civil War. Many of our soldiers wanted nothing to do with Vietnam and any military or Veteran Organizations when they returned home. This Memorial has been a source of healing and dealing with these emotions.

When the "Wall" replica came in 1989, over 80,000 people visited it. The area in which the "Wall" was located, originally a ball field, was never the same afterward as this became "sacred ground" for many people. For many, the "Wall" brought out an assortment of reactions. Many tears were shed. For some, it was a time of remembrance; for some, a time of healing. When the "Wall" was gone, one would find individuals visiting this area and reminiscing of the visit of the "Wall" just by standing in the area or sitting at a picnic table on the surrounding hillside. Why? This was still "sacred ground" for many people.

The Vietnam Veterans' Memorial was built in the same area as where the traveling "Wall" was placed. The center part of the Memorial consists of two granite pieces with the names of the 405 individuals with Nebraska ties who were either killed in action or listed as missing in action.