The Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Grand Island will host its first Memorial Day ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Monday, marking the cemetery’s first observance since it was dedicated in July 2025.
Cemetery Administrator Randy Lonowski said organizers expect a strong turnout for the public event at the state-run cemetery, which serves veterans and eligible family members across Nebraska. He said the ceremony is intended not only for Grand Island, but for central Nebraska and the entire state.
“The interest across Nebraska is great. We’ve even had people from out of state. I had one veteran. He was a military brat always deployed somewhere and his request was he just wants to be buried in the heartland of America, so that that made me feel good that that they see us as as the heart of the country,” Lonowski told KRVN.
The program will open with Reveille performed by the Nebraska Army National Guard. Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert will serve as master of ceremonies, and Nebraska Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Craig Strong will deliver the keynote address. Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt will give the invocation and closing blessing, Hailey Johnson of Kearney will perform patriotic music, and Post 53 — United Veterans Club will provide the color guard and gun salute.
Lonowski said the response reflects broad support for a cemetery that fills a geographic gap in central Nebraska.
Community volunteers, including Boy Scout troops and family members, have also helped prepare the grounds by placing flags at gravesites ahead of the holiday. Lonowski said that support has been especially meaningful for a facility that has been operating only a short time.
The event is open to the public at 3270 W. Capital Ave. in Grand Island. Officials said seating will be limited and encouraged attendees to bring lawn chairs. Organizers also asked visitors to be patient with parking and traffic as the new cemetery hosts its first Memorial Day crowd.
