The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles in Lexington is preparing for one of its largest Veterans Day celebrations yet on November 11, featuring longtime traditions, student presentations, a special message from a former Navy SEAL, and the museum’s annual military vehicle parade.
Executive Director Colton Oser says the day begins at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and donuts sponsored by Pinnacle Bank, followed by a performance from the Sandoz Shining Stars Honor Choir at 10:30 a.m. At 11 a.m., the Lexington National Honor Society will present the museum’s traditional 11th Hour Ceremony. This year’s program includes two new presentations, “Sounds of Service” and “The Tomb,” featuring a one-sixth scale replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. After the ceremony, the Bonneville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will provide its annual bean soup lunch.
The program will also feature a special video presentation from former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink. Oser says Willink, who served with SEAL Team 3 and later became a successful author, podcaster and business consultant, created a video specifically recognizing the Heartland Museum and veterans from the Lexington and Dawson County area. Oser says the opportunity to work with Willink was a significant honor for the museum. A last minute addition to the 11th Hour Ceremony is Miss Nebraska 2026 Lexi Nolda. Coming from a military family, Nolda is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a B.S. in Nutrition and Health Sciences with an emphasis in Community Health and Wellness.
The day’s activities wrap up with the museum’s traditional Veterans Day parade through downtown Lexington at 4 p.m., weather permitting. Oser says organizers are seeking volunteer drivers to help operate military vehicles during the parade and interested participants can sign up through the museum’s Facebook page. The Museum’s Veterans Day events are free and open to the public, with organizers encouraging visitors from across Nebraska to attend.
