Maggie Stuckey-Ross -- December 1, 2021

During the first week of June 1989, more than 80,000 people gathered in the Antelope Park to view the traveling Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall. The area where the “Wall” was located, originally a ball field, became sacred ground for many people and was forever changed.

In the 1990s, the Persian Gulf War led to a new wave of pride and patriotism. Communities, states, and the nation as a whole, banded together to recognize and honor not only veterans of that time, but also service members of all eras and branches. Through efforts of the Lincoln community, the area was officially named the “Veteran’s Memorial Garden.”

The Veteran’s Memorial Garden Advisory Council was formed to recommend policy on issues relating to the development, design, programming and preservation of the Garden area and all memorials contained in the garden. The Advisory Council is comprised of mayoral-appointed members who are committed to creating a place and promoting events to honor all veterans (both past and present) and their families.

Through the Advisory Council, an endowment account has been established to help maintain the garden.

To recommend policy to the Mayor, the City Council and Parks and Recreation Department on issues relating to the development, design, programming and preservation of the Veterans Memorial Garden area and all memorials contained in the Garden.

Number of Members: 11
Members Required for a Quorum: 6
Length of Term: 3 years
Term Limit: No term limit

The mission of the Veterans Memorial Garden Advisory Council (Council) shall be to recommend policy to the Director of Parks and Recreation, the City Council and the Mayor on issues relating to the development, design, programming, and preservation of the Veterans Memorial Garden (Garden) area, and all memorials contained in the Garden; to promote public awareness of the Garden; and to identify and coordinate events to take place in the Garden.

Maggie told us that the Parks & Recreation is in the process of replacing the holders and bricks. Instead of the curved like holders, the new ones are straight and the bricks are to last a life-time.  It also gives them more space for more honorees.  They have so far replaced 3,000 bricks and have about 3,000 more to go.  Just to replace the 1900 and World War II bricks the cost was $175,000.  This was paid by the Parks & Recreation Foundation and the City of Lincoln.  With the new holders and bricks and more space it makes it easier for wheelchairs and people with walkers to get around the gardens.  They are working on a fundraiser to help replace the last 3,000 bricks.  It is easier to do everything at one time instead of trying to disrupt the gardens three or four times.

 

Maggie said they felt that the people that had purchased the bricks should not have to contribute or purchase any of the new bricks that replace the old ones.  Lincoln East Rotary Club helped with the Doolittle project a few years back.

 

The statue of Liberty that was given to Antelope Park in 1931 by the Boy Scouts is being refurbished and they are hoping to have her be light up once she has been moved to the middle of the Star in the Veterans Memorial Garden.

There are four different events that they hold at the Veterans Memorial Garden and they are:  Memorial Day, Patriots Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day.  Maggie said that they do give tours and she would love to have our club come an enjoy a tour of all the things at Antelope Park, as well as, the Veterans Memorial Gardens.