Public Invited to Memorial Day Ceremonies May 26

Published on May 22, 2025

Community members are invited to three Memorial Day ceremonies in Lincoln on Monday, May 26. The events are organized by the Lincoln Memorial Day Observance Association (LMDOA) with assistance from the Veterans Memorial Garden Advisory Council. The ceremonies are as follows:

• 8:30 a.m., Wyuka Cemetery & Funeral Home, 3600 “O” St. – The ceremony will include wreath casting from the historic bridge and a parade beginning at the Historic Stables and Bridge; the Lincoln Fire and Rescue/Lincoln Police Department Color Honor Guard; an invocation and benediction by Pastor Tom Barber, Peoples City Mission; remarks by Greg Osborn and Joshua Vossler; and decorating of the Grand Army of the Republic Circle by Girl Scout Troop 20205.

• 11:30 a.m., Lincoln Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. – Attendees may enter the cemetery at gates one or three. The ceremony will include the American Legion Post 3 Color Guard, as well as a welcome by Ed Hall.  Pastor Dr. Gary Fuller, Lincoln Lancaster Chaplaincy Corps, will offer the invocation and benediction. Placing of the wreath and battlefield cross will be conducted by Kwame Gyamfi, LMDOA and Gailen Young, Vietnam Veterans of America 727. Folding of the flag will be conducted by Boy Scout Troop 456.

Both morning ceremonies will also include guest speaker Lt Col. Margaret Ingerslew, Director of Operations, First Airborne Command Control Squadron; the National Anthem by Samara Follette; an acknowledgement of Veterans; General John A. Logan’s General Order 11; and taps by Kevin Murray.

• 8 p.m., Veterans Memorial Garden, Antelope Park, 3200 Veterans Memorial Drive – The candlelit ceremony will include the reading of the names of Lancaster County veterans who have died in the past year; posting of the colors by the Lincoln American Legion Post 3; invocation and benediction by Pastor Tom Barber, People’s City Mission; introductory remarks by City Councilmember Justin Carlson; and musical selections by Samara Follette. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to Auld Pavilion, located just west of the garden.

For more information, visit lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Facilities/Public-Gardens/Veterans-Memorial-Garden. Attendees are encouraged to bring seating to the events.

The Veterans Memorial Garden in Antelope Park is open year-round from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.  For more information about the Lincoln Parks and Recreation, visit parks.lincoln.ne.gov.