Omaha Honors Veterans at Memorial Park

Eric Ewing, a retired Navy veteran, served as keynote speaker at the ceremony themed "Veterans Shine On."

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Awards

Outdoor memorial park with a gray stone monument on a green lawn, red, white, and blue flags behind it, and golden autumn trees under clear sky. — Omaha residents gathered at Memorial Park on Saturday to honor local veterans, with retired Navy veteran Eric Ewing delivering the keynote under the theme "Veterans Shine On." *AI Illustration.* Upload story photo >

Omaha held a veterans ceremony at Memorial Park in Nebraska, with retired Navy veteran Eric Ewing serving as keynote speaker. The event carried the theme "Veterans Shine On."

Why it matters

The ceremony recognizes local veterans ahead of Veterans Day, bringing residents together to honor military service in the Omaha community.

Eric Ewing served 20 years in the Navy before speaking at the ceremony. Dwain Holmes, an Army veteran, served 18 months in Vietnam and later spent 35 years as a missionary in the Amazon.

The players

Eric Ewing

Retired Navy veteran who served 20 years and is the brother of Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr.

Dwain Holmes

Army veteran who served in Vietnam and later worked as a missionary in the Amazon for 35 years.

The details

Eric Ewing was initially expected to lay a wreath before receiving an email designating him keynote speaker. Dwain Holmes, an Army veteran who has attended the ceremony for several years, now serves as chaplain of four groups.

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026: Omaha veterans ceremony held at Memorial Park.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026: Veterans Day.

Season Trajectory

The Omaha ceremony falls in the lead-up to Veterans Day on November 11, a recurring national observance. Local events like this one mark the annual cycle of public recognition for military service.

Residents attending the Memorial Park ceremony can observe the event firsthand and learn about local veterans' service. The recognition coincides with Veterans Day, offering a chance to participate in community observances.

The takeaway

Local veterans events like the Memorial Park ceremony offer an accessible way to hear personal service stories from neighbors. Attending such observances is a practical way to honor those who served.