Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: On Veterans Day, Nebraska Honors and Remembers
President John F. Kennedy once said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” On Veterans Day, that is what we do. We honor the women and men who have protected our freedom and secured our way of
life. Nebraska is home to nearly 120,000 veterans. We owe these veterans and their families a debt of gratitude that we can never repay.
One of our nation’s greatest acts of remembrance and recognition is the Medal of Honor. This is the most hallowed award we bestow on our veterans. This award was established by Congress during the Civil War. It is presented for distinguished acts of valor on behalf of a grateful nation. Across our state’s history, twenty Medals of Honor have been
accredited to Nebraska. Dozens more have been awarded to servicemembers with a connection to our state.
Victor Vifquain was one of Nebraska’s first recipients. He came to America at age 16 for studies. He settled in Saline County. When the Civil War broke out, Victor volunteered for duty. He demonstrated heroism throughout the war and was integral to the capture of Fort Blakely, Alabama. After the war he returned home to farm. For the remainder of his
life he remained committed to service. He participated in Nebraska’s Constitutional Convention. He ran for Congress and started a newspaper in Lincoln. He rejoined the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Spanish American War. By the end of his life Victor Vifquain had seen half the world. He always came back to his chosen home of Nebraska, a state he helped establish.
William Cody, known as Buffalo Bill, received the Medal of Honor for “gallantry in action” at the Loupe Fork of the Platte River. The first Native American to receive this award was Mad Bear. He was a Pawnee scout who joined the Army in Columbus. Nelson Holderman from Trumbull was awarded with the Medal for his service in World War I. In World War II, Nebraskans Dale Hansen from Wisner, Leo Powers from Anselmo, and Robert Booker from Callaway earned Medals of Honor. Ernest Kouma from Dwight received the Medal of Honor for his service in the Korean War. The Medal of Honor was given to Ronald Coker from Alliance for his service in the Vietnam War. This is far from an exhaustive list. Otto Schmidt from Blair received the honor for saving fellow sailors during a disaster on the U.S.S. Bennington.
Another great Nebraska hero is Edward Gomez. After graduating from Omaha South High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was sent to Korea with the 1st Marine Division. During the Battle of the Punchbowl, his squad was ordered to advance up a heavily fortified hill. As they prepared for a Korean counterattack, a grenade landed among the Marines. Gomez grabbed the grenade with his hand and covered the explosive with his body. He absorbed the blast and saved his squad. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
President Kennedy noted that our nation’s character is not just demonstrated in producing great Americans but remembering them. The two are in some way inseparable. By honoring service, we teach the next generation about its importance. We provide them with role models and inspiration for greatness and selflessness. Right now, only about 12% of American households include a veteran. Family ties to a veteran are perhaps the most significant predictor if someone will serve. Roughly 80% of new military recruits have at least one relative who is a veteran.
Nebraskans are extraordinary. Our Medal of Honor recipients and all Nebraska veterans sacrifice for the Good Life. Their family members at home also sacrifice. This Veterans Day, join me in talking to a veteran, listening to their stories, and taking inspiration from their bravery. By honoring our veterans, we thank them and inspire the next generation. It’s only through our servicemembers’ dedication and sacrifice that the Good Life remains strong.
My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224. You can also view my website at https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.