By Jared Sindt, Reporter
Veterans Shine On’s 5th annual event took place Thurs., Nov. 4 at Memorial Park. The event had bright lights, music, and notable speakers such as Pete Festersen, Omaha City Councilman for District 1.
“It’s really touching and that’s why you come and honor these folks and attend these ceremonies, because the sacrifice they’ve made not only themselves, but their families on behalf of our country and behalf of our city and our community are so tremendous and it’s important that we recognize that” Festersen said.
The event honored fallen veterans with the tolling of a bell, and a raising of the reef ceremony for the families. Festersen spoke on how the city plans to continue honoring these veterans outside of the events.
“Probably some street renaming’s, for James William Fous, who’s a congressional medal of honor winner that was a Central High grad, as am I,” Festersen said, “and then also Cpl. Daegan Page; we’re looking for a suitable honoring of him and his life and his service in Afghanistan.”
Festersen gave a speech to pay his respects to fallen soldiers and the veterans still standing at the event.
One of those veterans included Commander of American Legion Post 1 in Omaha, Paul Taylor. He spoke on why events such as Veterans Shine On and Memorial Park are important to him and his squad.
“I just can’t believe that in the last 8 years, this area looks like a park and I really want to thank the mayor for those kinds of things,” Taylor said, “Veterans deserve this kind of facility.”
Taylor said that when going to these events, he and his squad can’t help but think of the families who’ve lost someone and look to help in any way he can.
“Whenever we attend events for fallen soldiers or funerals, the first thing all of us veterans think and ask is, how can we help” Taylor said.
Taylor said he lived down the street from Cpl. Daegan Page and knew that the community would support his family and so would the veterans.
The lights in Memorial Park will continue to shine for the next couple of months to honor the country’s heroes and spread holiday cheer.
