By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

** Click here to download audio of this week’s column. ** 

Fifty years ago, America entered a military conflict halfway around the world. When their nation called on them to serve, the people of our state stepped up to the challenge. More than 40,000 Nebraskans served in our armed forces during the Vietnam era, and each of the heroes who deployed to Vietnam deserves recognition and our deep gratitude.

Unfortunately, not all of Nebraska’s Vietnam veterans have had a chance to visit the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was dedicated in their honor. Over the years, family obligations, financial constraints, or health concerns have prevented them from visiting our nation’s capital.

Early in the morning on May 1st, I was humbled and honored to join the largest Honor Flight for Vietnam veterans in history. More than 650 Nebraska veterans boarded planes at Omaha Eppley Airfield to fly to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

Each plane was decorated to show respect to the passengers, and the flight crew welcomed every person on board. These are some of the toughest men you will ever meet. They’d seen the dangers of combat and shown their courage on the battlefield. Watching their eyes light up as they reconnected with war buddies they had not seen in decades was a moving and unforgettable experience.

When we departed the plane in Washington, we met people lined up all along the airport waiting to greet our veterans with the fanfare they deserve. There were handshakes, hugs, and some tears. A men’s chorus even sang. The celebration was a wonderful reminder that despite our many differences, Americans can come together to show respect to those who protected our way of life.

From the airport, the Nebraska vets headed to their memorial.

In 1979, Jan Scruggs began pursuing a dream and passion that eventually led to the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He understood the importance of never forgetting those who died fighting for our country.

Although most of Washington, D.C. is loud and busy, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is usually quiet. The long, black wall, with the names of thousands of fallen heroes, is always striking. In a city filled with monuments, it remains one of the most powerful places in Washington.

The names of more than 58,000 American service members are engraved in black granite on the wall and 395 of these names are Nebraskans. The Honor Flight served as a tribute to these heroes as well. They made the ultimate sacrifice to defeat communism and preserve our way of life.

The generosity of Nebraskans all across the state made this trip possible. From grade school cookie sales in Central Nebraska to the support of individuals and Nebraska businesses, our state came together to bring these heroes to Washington, D.C. I always say our state’s greatest treasure is its people, and this trip is a reflection of Nebraskan goodness and generosity. We are a shining example of how to work together to honor veterans.

Two people in particular helped make this event for our veterans possible, Bill and Evonne Williams. Through their organization, Patriotic Productions, Bill and Evonne chartered the commercial airplanes, organized the accommodations, and tapped numerous volunteers to assist in this enormous undertaking.

I’m so deeply honored our veterans invited me to join them for their flight to Washington. It is something I will never forget and always cherish.

Thank you for taking part in our democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.