Veterans Memorial Garden

Four brick pillars supporting an arch reading

A visit to this site will take you on a walking tour of more than twenty military monuments. A place of solemn beauty, the garden is an ideal setting for peaceful reflection, and serves as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices veterans have made to preserve our freedom. The Veterans Memorial Garden is located within Lincoln's historic Antelope Park at 3200 Veteran’s Memorial Drive.

History

During the first week of June 1989, more than 80,000 people gathered in the Antelope Park to view the traveling Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall. The area where the “Wall” was located, originally a ball field, became sacred ground for many people and was forever changed.

In the 1990s, the Persian Gulf War led to a new wave of pride and patriotism. Communities, states, and the nation as a whole, banded together to recognize and honor not only veterans of that time, but also service members of all eras and branches. Through efforts of the Lincoln community, the area was officially named the “Veteran’s Memorial Garden.”

The Veteran’s Memorial Garden Advisory Council was formed to recommend policy on issues relating to the development, design, programming and preservation of the Garden area and all memorials contained in the garden. The Advisory Council is comprised of mayoral-appointed members who are committed to creating a place and promoting events to honor all veterans (both past and present) and their families.

Through the Advisory Council, an endowment account has been established to help maintain the garden.

2023 Calendar of Events

Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day events are held in Auld Pavilion. Memorial Day, Bricks of Honor, and Patriot Day events are held in the Garden unless weather dictates they be moved to Auld Pavilion. You are encouraged to bring your own lawn chairs, although limited bench seating may be available.

Memorial Day

  • Monday, May 29, Music will begin at 7:30 pm; program will begin at 8:00 pm
  • Veterans Memorial Garden
  • Event is organized by Lincoln Memorial Day Observance Association

Bricks of Honor Annual Dedication

Patriot Day

  • To be announced at a later date 

Veteran’s Day Parade

  • Sunday, November 12 at 2:00 pm
  • For Parade details, visit lincolnveteransparade.org
  • Organized by Lincoln Veterans Parade Group and Veterans Day Parade Committee

Veteran’s Day

  • Saturday, November 11 at 11:00 am
  • Auld Pavilion

 

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

  • Thursday, December 7 at 11:55 am
  • Auld Pavilion

2022 Calendar of Events

Memorial Day: Monday, May 30 evening ceremony; Veterans Memorial Garden

  • Music will begin at 7:30pm. The program will began at 8pm.
  • In the event of inclement weather, the program will take place in the Auld Pavilion.

Bricks of Honor Dedication: Saturday, June 11 at 10 am; Veterans Memorial Garden

Patriot Day Sunday, September 11; morning ceremony; Veterans Memorial Garden

Veterans Day Parade (organized by Lincoln Veterans Parade Group/Veterans Day Parade Committee), November 13, 2022/2pm (lincolnveteransparade.org)

Veterans Day Friday, November 11 at 11am in Auld Pavilion

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Wednesday, December 7 at 11:55 am in Auld Pavilion

Bricks of Honor

"Brick of Honor" is available for all veterans, living or deceased, who received an Honorable or General Discharge. Bricks for Veterans organizations and Auxiliary organizations will also be accepted. All proceeds from brick sales go to improvements to and maintenance of the Veteran’s Memorial Garden.

To order a Brick of Honor, visit or contact the Lincoln Parks Foundation at (402) 441-8258.

Lincoln Parks Foundation:  Veterans Memorial Garden



Wedding Reservation Information

Rental Fee/Period:   $120 for 3 hours. $40 per hour for each additional hour.

Capacity:  10 people

Deposit:   $100 due 2 weeks prior to reservation.

This venue must be reserved in person. Call 402-441-7847 option 0 for reservation details. 

Reservation Calendar

Garden Manners

Admission is free, donations are accepted. 
Parking is available north and south of the garden.

For everyone’s enjoyment of the garden, please:

  • Do not pick the flowers
  • Attend to children at all times
  • Stay on the paths and lawn areas
  • Leash your dog; pick up and dispose of pet waste
  • Walk your bicycle
  • No skateboards or roller blades

Commercial Photography

Lincoln's parks and public gardens have provided beautiful backdrops for generations of family photos. When you or your photographer are taking pictures, we ask that you be mindful of, and minimize disruption to, other park users and garden visitors. Please also take care to avoid damaging any flowers, plantings, turf, or park property.

If your photo shoot is large and/or it could disrupt normal park or public garden operations, you make need to seek a Special Use Permit. If fees for photography services are collected on site, a Permit to Conduct Business may be required. Wedding reservations are available at our wedding designated sites. Please contact 402-441-7847, Ext. 0, or email parks@lincoln.ne.gov, for additional information regarding both Special Use Permit and wedding reservations.

Thank you and enjoy those beautiful pictures!

 

 


Monuments and Memorials

Military Memorials

More than 20 memorials stand in the Garden today including Airborne, All Airmen, American Merchant Marine, China Burma India, Disabled American Veterans, Doolittle Raiders, Ex-Prisoners of War,  K-9 Unsung, Korea, Marine Corps, Military Medical, Pearl Harbor, Pre 1900, Post 9-11, Purple Heart, Seabees, Special Forces, Tuskegee Airmen, Buffalo Soldiers, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy Armed Guard, Vietnam, Women’s Veterans, World War I, World War II, and 551st Strategic Missile Squadron.

Many events are held at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden recognizing special days like Memorial Day, Patriot Day, Veteran’s Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. On these and other holidays, flags are flying in commemoration.

An annual dedication of newly placed bricks is held on the second Saturday in June at 10:00 AM to dedicate all new “Bricks of Honor” in the garden.

View Memorials and Monuments 

Location

3200 Veterans Memorial Dr, Lincoln 68502  View Map

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