The NVVMF Groundbreaking made us all Proud! Many of the NVVMF Honorary Committee members were present along with donors and Vietnam Veterans for this major event. Pageantry included the Papillion LaVista South High School NJROTC posting and retiring the colors as well as a ceremonial US flag held high by two fire trucks.
Chuck Hagel delivered an inspiring keynote presentation. He, along with the other speakers -NVVMF Board member Mick Wagoner, Mary Hawkins, and Governor Pete Rickets ensured that Vietnam Veterans Day was very well honored in Nebraska!
Mayor Black as master of ceremonies led us through the occasion very respectfully despite the windy afternoon. In addition, the City of Papillion coordinated the Groundbreaking logistics at the SumTur Amphitheater with NVVMF Board member Lisa Jorgenson.
Besides signaling the intentions to move forward with the Memorial, the Groundbreaking served as a catalyst for giving. NVVMF ended the month of March with several hundred thousand dollars being given or pledged.