Eighty-two of Nebraska’s living Korean War veterans were recognized Friday during a ceremony at Memorial Stadium, where state leaders and representatives from the Republic of Korea thanked them for their service and sacrifice.
Gov. Jim Pillen, Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert and Republic of Korea Consul General Sangwoo Hong presented recognition coins to the veterans as part of a statewide initiative launched earlier this year to honor Nebraskans who served in the Korean War. More than 500 people attended the ceremony.
“This recognition program does two very important things,” Pillen said. “One, we want to give our Korean War veterans a huge ‘thank you’ from the people of Nebraska and let them know we recognize the sacrifices they and their family made. And two, we want to do our part to keep these veterans’ stories alive.” Pillen said honoring veterans is especially meaningful as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, adding that preserving their stories will help future generations understand the sacrifices made to protect the country’s freedom.
The Memorial Stadium event marked another milestone in the state’s recognition effort. Following Friday’s ceremony, more than 250 Nebraska Korean War veterans have received the state’s recognition coin. Additional ceremonies are planned across Nebraska, and eligible veterans can still apply to receive a coin through the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Today’s ceremony was a reminder to our Korean War veterans, and all Nebraska veterans, that the people of Nebraska recognize and honor your service and sacrifices,” Hilgert said. “The turnout for today’s ceremony and the support of this initiative has been incredible.”
The ceremony featured remarks from Pillen, Hilgert and Hong before each veteran in attendance received a recognition coin. Musical performances included the Republic of Korea’s national anthem, “Aegukga,” by the Nebraska Korean Association Choir, “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed by vocalist Joyeon Lee and a closing performance of the traditional Korean folk song “Arirang.”
Hong thanked Nebraska’s veterans on behalf of the South Korean government and its people. “Above all, I would like to convey the deepest respect and heartfelt gratitude of the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea to the Korean War veterans from Nebraska and their families,” Hong said. “The Republic of Korea will never forget your courage and sacrifice.”
Nearly 1.8 million Americans served during the Korean War. More than 36,000 U.S. service members were killed, including 318 Nebraskans. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, 7,359 American service members remain unaccounted for, including 56 from Nebraska. State officials estimate about 2,400 Nebraska Korean War veterans are still living in the state.
The Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs said the recognition initiative is part of its broader mission to serve veterans and their families through benefits assistance, veterans’ homes and the state’s veterans cemetery system. Information about future recognition events and eligibility for the Korean War recognition coin is available through the department.