Memorial Day Observance Program 2024

The events are organized by the Lincoln Memorial Day Observance Association (LMDOA) with assistance from the Veterans Memorial Garden Advisory Council. 

The ceremonies are as follows: 

8:30 a.m., Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery, 3600 “O” St.

The ceremony will include wreath casting from the historic bridge and a parade beginning at the Historic Stables and Bridge; the Lincoln Fire and Rescue/Lincoln Police Department Color Honor Guard; an invocation and benediction by John Terpsma, Lincoln Lancaster Chaplaincy Corps; remarks by Greg Osborn and Bob Fitzsimmons; and decoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Circle by Girl Scout Troop 20205. 

11:30 a.m., Lincoln Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St.

Attendees may enter the cemetery at gates one or three. The ceremony will include the American Legion, VFW and SVR/SUVCW Color Guard, as well as welcome remarks by Ed Hall. John Terpsma, Lincoln Lancaster Chaplaincy Corps, will offer the invocation and benediction. Placing of the wreath and battlefield cross will be conducted by Kwame Gyamfi, LMDOA; and Gailen Young, Vietnam Veterans of America 727. Folding of the Flag will be conducted by Boy Scout Troop 456.  

Both morning ceremonies will also include guest speaker Col. Thaddeus Fineran, Chief of Staff Nebraska Air National Guard; the National Anthem by Olivia Vanderford; an acknowledgement of Veterans; General John A. Logan’s General Order No. 11 and taps by Kevin Murray.  

8 p.m., Veterans Memorial Garden, Antelope Park, 3200 Veterans Memorial Drive

The candlelit ceremony will include the reading of the names of Lancaster County veterans who have died in the past year; posting of the colors by the VFW Color Guard; invocation and benediction by Rev. Irene Prince, LPD Chaplaincy Corps; introductory remarks by City Councilperson Tom Duden; and musical selections by Samara Follette, Lydia Atim, and Issainah Roberts from Lincoln Northeast High School. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to Auld Pavilion, located just west of the Garden. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring seating to the events. 

About the Veterans Memorial Garden and Veteran's Memorial Garden Advisory Council:

The Veterans Memorial Garden in Antelope Park is open year-round from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

A visit to this site will take you on a walking tour of more than twenty military monuments. A place of solemn beauty, the garden is an ideal setting for peaceful reflection, and serves as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices veterans have made to preserve our freedom. The Veterans Memorial Garden is located within Lincoln's historic Antelope Park at 3200 Veteran’s Memorial Drive.

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. 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.

For more information about the Lincoln Parks and Recreation, visit parks.lincoln.ne.gov.