(May 29, 2019) — Nearly 250 community members gathered at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance for its Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 27th, 2019. In addition to the cemetery’s traditional program—the reading of the names of those interred over the past year, the placing of the wreath on the cemetery’s unfinished grave, and the tribute to the fallen with a 21-gun salute and taps—there was a special presentation from the Veterans State Cemetery at Alliance Foundation.
Members of the foundation presented Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert with a large check for $140,000, a donation so construction of a windbreak could begin. Funds were raised through three veterans memorial golf tournaments and donations from community organizations, clubs, state-wide foundations, and the next-of-kin of those interred at the veterans cemetery. Thanks to a generous outpouring of support from the community, the foundation raised the funds needed in two years, rather than the eight it originally anticipated.
“The wind break panel project would not be possible without the support of the many memorial donations that have been given in memory of a loved one with their final resting place here at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance,” said Jerry Steele, foundation president. “The Foundation will continue to cherish the memorial donations and use them to enhance the amenities here at the cemetery. I personally would like to thank everyone that attended the Memorial Day Program, showing support for our past, present, and future veterans, for the sacrifices they have made and will make to secure freedom for all.”
The planning process included a wind study analysis of the area and engineer recommendations from Schemmer. The construction design includes stone veneer that matches the existing committal shelter with large glass panels, strategically placed to maximize effectiveness. K.L Wood & Co. of Alliance is scheduled to begin the first week of July and be finished before Veterans Day this year.
“The sacrifices made by our service members and veterans are non-ending,” said Facility Administrator Allen Pannell. “We are determined to continue to expand and improve the ways we honor them. The community’s support for this much-needed windbreak has been remarkable and we are grateful for their support in our mission.”
###