A Permanent Reminder in a Prominent Space
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and larger Nebraska community continues to honor veterans, military service members, and military families with this Veterans’ Tribute. Running along Memorial Mall outside the Pershing Military and Naval Science building, this area serves as a tribute to those willing to sacrifice for something larger than themselves and a space to reflect on all that their courage affords us.
"This is not a memorial, but rather a constant reminder of the heroes who walk among us, a tribute to the men and women from our community willing to sacrifice for something larger than themselves. And what better place for it to rest than at the heart and core of the UNL community."
- John Hilgert, ‘86 Captain, U.S. Army, 1989-92
"More than 90 of those were women soldiers who were recently allowed to serve and volunteer for the service. Women soldiers came to my company in Germany because they could not serve in combat in Vietnam. I have greater awareness of the value of diversity of different persons. Greater awareness results in better decisions."
- Anonymous
"The Veterans’ Tribute is a place to recognize the role of military service in higher education, our communities and country. It is a place where we honor and respect all whose service represents what we stand for ... as citizens, service members, veterans and families... past, present and future."
- Annette Wiechert, Ed.D., ‘71 CDR, USN (Ret).
About the Tribute
The 20 glass panels installed in the space include quotes depicting the lives of veterans, service members and their families. Inspired by the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, DC., these 57 quotes – submitted anonymously – are divided into themes of Service, Camaraderie, Honor, Courage, Integrity, and Sacrifice. The panels are intended to illustrate the multiple facets of a service member’s life, including the importance of family, faith and camaraderie, while also depicting the personal sacrifice that military service entails.
The themes on the glass panels complement the words engraved on the steps, which reflect on what it means to serve. The V-shaped Chevron pattern, seen on the pavers as you walk through the Tribute, are the one unifying symbol for all branches of the military.
Trees, seating and landscaping create a serene environment for reflection and remembrance.
The Tribute also features a new Veterans’ Tribute Flag Plaza, made possible by the generous donation of the Fred and Sally Bekins Foundation.
"As a veteran, I am particularly pleased that the University of Nebraska–Lincoln continues to enhance its focus on military service. In this space all can come and reflect on their own service and the service of others. It will be a place to learn and to pause and give thanks in whatever form that might take. I look forward to the day we dedicate the Veterans’ Tribute and hope you will join me in supporting this project."
- Daryl Bohac, Ph.D., '87, '91, '94
Watch the Dedication
The Veterans' Tribute was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2022.
“This unique space in the heart of our campus is an opportunity to honor all veterans, members of the military and their families,” Chancellor Ronnie Green said at the event. “It is a beautiful and significant tribute to those willing to sacrifice something larger than themselves — a space where we can all pause and reflect on how different our lives may have been if not for the courage of a few willing to serve in our military.”