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STATE FAIR PARK — It was their day, their songs, their wars and their experiences. Friday was Veterans Day at the State Fair.
It was filled with commemorative events: an old-time band, patriotic singalongs, a parade and posting of the colors.
“The whole day was meant to honor all veterans of all conflicts, but especially the World War II veterans,” said Linda Varejcka, a member of the State Fair veterans committee.
About 2,500 veterans and their family members turned out.
In opening ceremonies, Gov. Dave Heineman honored those who took part in the Heartland Honor Flight program, which sent veterans to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Heineman also recognized Bill and Evonne Williams for organizing the flights.
Everett Renken of Geneva, Neb., initially didn’t want to visit the D.C. memorial. He served in the Navy from 1944 to 1945.
“I had to be talked into going, but it was very fulfilling,” said Renken, wearing his red Honor Flight polo and black VFW hat.
The Bobby Layne Orchestra took the stage with a mix of old-time hits and patriotic tunes. There was a singalong for each military service’s song.
Renken stood for “Anchors Aweigh,” while friends Melvin Krause and Herman Larsen, also of Geneva, stood for “The Caissons Go Rolling Along,” the Army anthem.
The band closed with Taps and “Amazing Grace.”
Veterans and fairgoers lined the route for a parade featuring Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts throughout Nebraska.
Some groups marched the flag down the street, some drove in antique cars and waved. There were motorcycles, antique ambulances and tractors.
Larsen and Krause both served in the South Pacific during the war.
Larsen said he saw things he wished he could forget and lost a lot of friends. When he came home, his father initially walked right past him, but his dog recognized him.
“I’m very fortunate I came home in one piece. A lot of people didn’t come home at all, and some didn’t come home with very much,” Larsen said. “I get a little funny thinking about it, but we would all do it again.”
The Greatest Generation veterans were modest about their service and bashful about their status as heroes.
“I didn’t think that World War II vets would get recognized this way,” Krause said. “I never realized how much people appreciated us.”
World-Herald staff writer Aaron James contributed to this report.
Contact the writer:
444-1304, news@owh.com.
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