Surrounded by friends, family, state senators and fellow veterans, a group of World War II veterans was recognized for their service at a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol Rotunda May 9.
Governor Jim Pillen, Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) Director John Hilgert, and Nebraska National Guard Adjutant General Major General Craig Strong presented recognition medals to 13 of Nebraska’s World War II veterans and recognized a group of veterans who had received medals in previous ceremonies.
Among the 13 honored were Ong’s Jerry Lobeda and Trumbull’s Ray Arnold.
“Today, we are proud to honor our veterans as we mark 80 years since the end of World War II,” Gov. Pillen said. “These heroes fought for freedom, and Nebraska stepped up in significant ways—from building bombers at Fort Crook to feeding soldiers at the North Platte Canteen and training pilots at our airfields. Awarding medals to our living veterans and signing this proclamation is our way of saying thank you for their sacrifice and keeping their legacy alive.”
As of Friday’s ceremony, 117 of Nebraska’s living WWII veterans have been presented with medals through this initiative, with several smaller, local presentations already scheduled throughout May.
In total, over 40 medal presentation events have been hosted across Nebraska, hosted by the Governor, NDVA, mayors, city councils, veteran service organizations, county veteran service officers, and others.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Nebraska is currently home to around 250 WWII veterans, putting the program at about the halfway point to recognizing all of them. “This initiative has taken us around the state to meet and honor an incredible group of veterans,” NDVA Director Hilgert said. “The heroes of World War II fought not just to defend our country but to save the world. Having the opportunity to recognize them and share their stories is an incredible honor, and the ceremony at the Capitol is a true celebration of 80 years of victory and a special milestone on our road to honoring all of Nebraska’s living World War II veterans.”
During the presentation, the name of each veteran was read and they were given a specially designed medal by Gov. Pillen. The medal was designed by NDVA.
On the front is the slogan of the initiative: Celebrating 80 Years of Victory. It includes Nebraska’s famous Sower in front of the state, which is surrounded by a laurel wreath, a symbol of triumph.
The backside of the medal features the words “On Behalf of a Grateful State, Thank You for Your Service” emblazoned above the personification of Victory standing in front of the 48star flag of 1946.
The ribbon design pays homage to the U.S. Military’s World War II Victory Medal, which is itself a doubling of the pattern on the World War I Victory Medal.
Other Veterans who received their medals included: Kenneth Arenas, Jack Caldwell, Robert Manthey, Theodore Mills, and Marvin Schulz, all of Lincoln; Douglas Baker, Maywood; William Brown, Omaha; Roger Peters, Valley; Wayne Steele, Bellevue; Ralph Wagner, Fremont; and Alfred Zieg, Bennet.
In addition to these veterans, the following men were also acknowledged. They received their medals at previous ceremonies: Julius Clemmer, Lincoln; Edwin Krepel, Norfolk; Wilbur Rupke, Lexington; Lee Sanks, Kearney; and Carl Schrat, Omaha.
