Nebraska V

The final stop in Nebraska will, again, be in Omaha. Memorial Park was dedicated by President Truman in 1948 and has continued to grow since that time. In 1959, rose gardens, containing more than 100 bushes,  were added to the '67 acre site and in 1968 a pedestrian foot bridge was added.

The park was the scene of a number of anti-Vietnam rallies and demonstrations during the 60's and 70's.

The above plaque fronts the statue and speaks to Korea and Vietnam's lost. the one below is on the side of the statue. Note the dates on the top one and the added names upon the second one.

Sitting on a high hill, over looking the city, the park honors all who have served but Vietnam has several components here. First, the POW/MIA Flag. I know this has been become a more general acknowledgement of those who were POW/MIA from any war. But, it will always mean 'Nam to me. As I have written on other posts, it was designed originally for those in 'Nam and will remain so for me.

I couldn't find exact information about the statue but it seems to be a soldier holding a small emaciated boy. the boy is holding the soldiers canteen. I expect that this may be a WWII statue as the large Wall behind the statue is dedicated to and lists the names of the lost from WWII, but as I have no definitive information (and could not find any on line) this may not be the case. Also, two of the plaques, as mentioned above, refer to Korea and Vietnam.

Next time, we move on to Utah. So, join me in Salt Lake City on the 11th as always at 9:00am.