The photo memorial, which includes military and personal photos of each of Nebraska’s fallen soldiers, will be coming to Northeast Community College’s Extended Campus in South Sioux City next month as part of its tour of the state.
Northeast, Wayne State College and Hy-Vee will host the exhibit from Tuesday, February 6-Sunday, February 18, at the College Center, 1001 College Way in South Sioux City. It may be viewed Monday-Thursday, from 7:30 a.m., until 9 p.m., and on Fridays from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. For weekend viewing, call Geo Torres at (402) 241-6419.
“We must remember these American Heroes and speak their names when we see their family members. We can never forget those who sacrificed everything for our freedom,” said Bill Williams, co-creator of the memorial. “While this memorial is about those who have died, it was created for the living…to help the families in their grief, while reminding the rest of us of the terrible price paid for our freedom by our current generation of military.”
Four soldiers from northeast Nebraska are included in the memorial, U.S. Navy SEAL John Douangdara, of South Sioux City, Army National Guard Sergeant Joshua Ford, of Pender, U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Mann, of Winside, and Nebraska Army National Guard Sergeant Robert Scholte, of Norfolk.
Remembering Our Fallen and 18 other state memorials representing 60-percent of the United States’ Fallen since September 11, 2001, have been created by Patriotic Productions, a non-profit organization headquartered in Omaha. The goal is to complete a national traveling memorial that will include all of the country’s “Fallen” from the War on Terror.
An opening ceremony will be held on Tuesday, February 6, at 11 a.m. Lonnie Ford, Gold Star father of Joshua Ford, will be among the speakers.
There is no admission to view the exhibit or attend the opening ceremony.
“We are very appreciative of the South Sioux City Hy-Vee for co-sponsoring this event with Wayne State College and Northeast Community College,” said Judith Scherer Connealy, director of continuing education and outreach for Wayne State College. “Our joint effort made it possible to bring, for the first time, this important and moving exhibit to South Sioux
To learn more about the exhibit, go online to www.rememberingourfallen.org.
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PHOTO ID: Lonnie Ford. (Courtesy Photo)