A moving tribute to America’s fallen service members was part of Wednesday’s Veterans Day observance at Lexington’s Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles. Lexington High School National Honor Society member Gabby Carlson narrated “The Tomb,” a presentation detailing the history and significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Carlson shared how the tomb honors unidentified American servicemen from World War I, World War II and the Korean War, while also highlighting the history of Arlington National Cemetery and the sacrifices made by those who never returned home. The presentation also explained the duties of the elite soldiers who guard the tomb around the clock.
A 1/6th size replica of the tomb, created by the Lexington High School shop class, was placed in front of the stage. Student Clive Neher paced in front of the tomb as the soldier guarding it while Carlson continued the narration.
The program described the symbolic 21-step patrol performed by sentinels and the rigorous selection process required to earn the prestigious Tomb Guard Identification Badge. Less than 20 percent of volunteers complete the training.
Carlson concluded by reminding attendees that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a lasting tribute to those whose identities may be unknown, but whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Keynote video presentation by former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink
Retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer and bestselling author Jocko Willink delivered a special video keynote during the Veterans Day program. Willink praised the museum’s 40-year effort to preserve military history and keep historic military vehicles operational, while recognizing local organizations, volunteers, and veterans for their service. He also encouraged attendees to continue honoring the sacrifices of America’s servicemen and women and to carry their legacy forward.
Lexington High School teacher and veteran, Mike Zarate spoke on the sounds of military service. He played various audio clips of a drill sergeant, the bugle call and others as a reminder of the sounds one would hear in the military.
Veterans Day program draws Miss Nebraska to Lexington
Miss Nebraska 2026 Lexi Nolda was among those attending the Veterans Day program. Nolda, a North Platted native, said she wanted to support central Nebraska veterans and honor the sacrifices made by military service members. Coming from a military family, she said the event was especially meaningful because her father served in the Army and has long wanted to visit the museum. In an interview, Nolda used the opportunity to also encourage young women to become leaders and advocates in their communities.
Lexington Veteran reflects on service
A Lexington veteran reflected on a lifetime of military service. Speaking before the program, Mark Wigstone says he served 24 years in the National Guard and Navy, beginning with the Nebraska National Guard in 1981 and retiring in 2006. Wigstone said one of the highlights of his service was meeting people and seeing different parts of the country. He says Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor both his own service and the long tradition of military service within his family.
A lunch of bean soup, cornbread and chili was served after the program. Veterans later took many military vehicles to downtown Lexington to participate in the military parade with the fire department and Lexington Middle School Marching Band.
