Omaha salutes military heritage

Omaha is proud of its military heritage. Like much of the United States, locals have served their country with pride. Their efforts and achievement shave been publicly recognized through the years.

Omaha’s public art shares the stories of the men and women who have served in the military through a variety of statues and monuments scattered around the city.

Turner Park is home to Omaha’s World War I monument. The monument, dedicated in 1937, recognizes the people who served during the “World War” at that time. The midtown monument was refurbished and rededicated in recent years. It sits in Turner Park, at the end of Midtown Crossing outdoor shopping center.

Omaha’s World War II memorial stands high above Omaha in Memorial Park. The colonnade atop the hill at Memorial Park contains the names of the nearly 1,000 Douglas County residents who died during the war.

In front of the memorial is one honoring the men and women who served the United States during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. It features a soldier kneeling on one knee while holding a small child on his other leg.

Omaha’s appreciation for those who served during World War II doesn’t end at Memorial Park. Heartland of America Park is home to “Victory ’95.” The large sculpture depicts the sacrifices made during that war – from the home front. The statue shows various segments of the population affected by the war. A father hugging his children as he heads off to war, unsure of when or if he’ll see them again.

Immediately at the base of the sculpture, a young boy pulling a wagon of supplies renders a salute.

Standing off to his left is a woman dressed to go to work in a factory. Women picked up the slack at home during World War II, working in previously male-dominated areas.

The last sculpture features a mother and father saddened by the loss of their child during battle. The mother hugs the folded flag to her chest, while her husband holds her close consoling her, while also battling his loss.

Another statue in Heartland Park salutes the men and women who have served as parachutists. “Airborne” shows an Army Ranger standing at the plane’s doorway, ready for his jump into battle.

A short drive west of Omaha is the Strategic Air and Space Museum. It started as the Strategic Air Command Museum, and honors the people who served in the command. As a veteran of SAC, I recall serving in the northern tier at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. I love visiting the museum and seeing the aircraft and weaponry once used by SAC.

I salute all my fellow veterans for their service to this land and their country. I also salute the men, women and children who have provided a strong home front during the wars, battles, conflicts and deployments.

We encourage everyone to visit their local memorials.