Replacing Omaha's Stolen Medal of Honor Plaque
Donation protected
On Veteran's Day last year, I wrote this article about a memorial for Omaha's Medal of Honor recipients, hoping it would "inspire us to serve one another, our communities, and our nation." In January, the plaque honoring our heroes was stolen.
The Omaha Douglas Building Commission has solicited a bid for a replacement, and an estimate has come back in the amount of $3,785. Because bronze has become such an attractive target for thieves, the new plaque will be aluminum with a base color of bronze and gold lettering. Here's a proof:
This isn't a complex request, friends: will you chip in to help replace the stolen plaque?
- It will honor John Joseph Parle, a 1942 ROTC graduate of Creighton who gave his life to save his comrades in World War II.
- It will honor Edward Gomez, namesake of Gomez Heritage Elementary School in South O, fatally absorbed a grenade blast with his body to protect fellow Marines in Korea.
- It will honor Robert John Hibbs, James Fous, and Miguel Keith, all of whom gave their lives for their country and their comrades in Vietnam.
- It will honor Bob Kerrey, the only servicemember on the memorial whose Medal of Honor was not awarded posthumously. During a 1969 mission in Vietnam, Kerry, a SEAL, was seriously wounded by an enemy grenade but continued to lead “despite his near-unconscious state, until he was evacuated by helicopter.”
Any funds received above the cost of the plaque and GoFundMe transaction fees will be donated to Moving Veterans Forward, a Nebraska non-profit.
Thank you for your consideration.
Organizer
Jay Jackson
Organizer
Omaha, NE