By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Korean War-era veterans from Lincoln County and surrounding communities will be recognized during a special ceremony next month in North Platte as part of a statewide effort to honor those who served during the conflict.
Lincoln County Veteran Service Officer Tom Gann announced plans for the event during Monday's meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, July 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at Mid-Plains Community College's South Campus.
Nebraska's lieutenant governor is expected to attend and present commemorative challenge coins to eligible veterans. The state developed the recognition program to honor veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces between June 27, 1950, and Jan. 31, 1955.
Gann said local officials wanted to host a ceremony in North Platte because many Korean War veterans are now in their late 80s and 90s and may have difficulty traveling to Lincoln for the state's official recognition event on July 24th.
"We didn't feel like we wanted to have them travel from here all the way to Lincoln," Gann told commissioners. "We want to honor our Korean-era veterans at the highest level that we possibly can here in Lincoln County."
The Lincoln County Veterans Service Office has identified approximately 50 potentially eligible veterans through county records, though officials believe there may be others living in the area who have not yet been contacted. About 15 veterans or family members have already expressed interest in receiving the commemorative coin.
The ceremony has also been opened to veterans from neighboring counties. Dawson, Keith and Logan counties have already committed to participating, while outreach efforts have extended as far west as Scotts Bluff County.
Mid-Plains Community College is donating the use of its theater and Fireside Room for the event, with a reception planned following the ceremony. Patriotic decorations and music are also planned.
Commissioners voiced support for visiting veterans who may be unable to attend due to health concerns or residency in nursing facilities. Gann said he and Veterans Service Office staff would be willing to accompany commissioners to personally present challenge coins to homebound veterans.
Families who know of an eligible Korean War veteran are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office. Veterans must still be living and able to provide proof of service to qualify for the state's recognition coin program.
Gann said organizers hope to identify as many veterans as possible before the July 10 ceremony.
"We're losing them quickly," he said. "We want to try to do this in as timely a manner as possible."