Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs Director John Hilgert and Governor Jim Pillen joined together last week to present World War II recognition medals to veterans living at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home.
The ceremony was part of Nebraska’s World War II Veteran Recognition Program that was announced earlier this year on May 8, Victory in Europe Day, and is an initiative to recognize Nebraska’s living WWII veterans in 2025 for the 80th anniversary of the end of the war.
“As we approach the 80th anniversary of World War II, it’s incredible to think of what we owe these heroes,” said Pillen. “Being able to present these medals to Nebraska’s World War II veterans is an incredible honor and privilege for me, and I’m looking forward to meeting more of them, hearing their stories and thanking them for their service as we recognize them for everything they’ve done for this country.”
Veterans honored at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Buffalo County included Dr. John Finkner of Minden, Don Graper of Gibbon, Doug Graul of Fairbury and Elmer Heeren of Hastings.
The medal was created by the state of Nebraska and designed by the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs (NDVA) to honor living World War II veterans. It is available to living veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces between Dec. 1, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946, are legal residents of Nebraska or can demonstrate Nebraska residency at the time they entered the service and discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
The NVDA website shows a blueprint of what the medal looks like and includes further information about the program.
On the front of the medal is the slogan of this initiative, which reads "Celebrating 80 Years of Victory." It includes Nebraska's famous Sower in front of the state and surrounded by a laurel wreath, a symbol of triumph. The backside of the medal features the words "On Behalf of a Grateful State, Thank You for Your Service" emblazoned above the personification of victory standing in front of the 48-star flag of 1946.
The ribbon design pays homage to the U.S. Military's World War II Victory Medal. The medals will be housed in a velvet box and come with an accompanying ribbon bar.
Applicants can choose to receive their medal at an in-person ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol on May 8, 2025, through their Mayor's Office in participating cities and towns, or by having them shipped or delivered to their home.
Eligible veterans are encouraged to apply here. There is no deadline to apply.
The NDVA recently received the medals and are beginning to distribute them to those who have already applied, including those residing at the state’s four veterans’ homes.
“Our goal is to thank and recognize every Nebraska veteran of World War II,” said Hilgert. “Their service, sacrifice and stories are important, and I would encourage anyone who knows a World War II veteran—whether it’s a family member, friend, neighbor or someone else—to share this program with them and help them apply to be recognized for their service.”