KEARNEY, NE — With the presentation of colors and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Reunion is officially underway.

The opening ceremonies for the 37th annual event were hosted at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney on Thursday. Stan Brodine of Elm Creek is on the organizing committee. He says the reunion grows in importance every year.

“It’s just a healing process," Brodine said. "I can’t explain it but you’re just so excited to see each other every year. There’s getting less of us every year, it’s just so exciting.”

Brodine says fellow veterans are healing from the events of the war and how they were received when they came home.

“Some many of these (veterans) didn’t talk about the Vietnam War," Brodine said. "When they got out, they went home and didn’t talk about it for 25-30 years. Nobody even knew you served because Vietnam was a different war, you know.”

The point of the opening ceremonies is to offer a sincere thanks to the veterans for their service.

“That’s all the Vietnam veterans want to know is thank you and they care," Brodine said. "We’re getting the point across to everybody.”

The reunion is extra special this year thanks to Kearney hosting The Wall That Heals, a mobile educational center and replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Reunion organizers raised $16,000 to bring it to town.

Brodine hopes the public learns from visiting the exhibit.

“The veterans are so important. Life is short, enjoy it. Let everybody know that the veterans are here forever and they’re the backbone of our country,” Brodine said.

The rest of the weekend includes social events like golfing, concerts and meals. There’s also presentations from veterans support groups, military dog handlers and military nurses.