Memorial ceremony honors Post-Vietnam veterans

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - The Hall County Warriors Memorial was dedicated to post-Vietnam veterans on Saturday at the United Veterans Club in Grand Island.

"We remember all veterans sacrifices today and honor all of them as we dedicate this memorial," said Brian Rapp, American Legion Commander.

A stainless steel globe sits eight-feet tall and has the logo of every military branch engraved on it.

"It's always important to I feel thank a veteran," said John Larson, Hall County Warriors Memorial. "By erecting a memorial it's something that's going to be here long term for veterans to come and enjoy. And hopefully even become like a tourist destination as we try to expand the park even more by adding some military equipment pieces and so forth also in the future."

One military veteran shared how the memorial is special to his family.

"A lot of emotions," said Gage Mars, served in the Army from 2017-2021. "My dad was my hero, I looked up to him in every aspect, and finally seeing his name and mine right next to each other on the memorial. It brings a lot of emotions."

Mars lost his dad in April 2024, and said his dad was his inspiration to join the military.

"May the Hall County Warriors Memorial be a lasting tribute to their service and a reminder to us all that the fight for democracy and freedom is never ending," said Rapp.