KEARNEY, Neb. — 31 names echoed throughout Apollo Park in Kearney on Wednesday, each belonging to a Central Nebraska native who died while serving in the Vietnam War.

“I think it’s really fitting that the ones of us that are still alive remember the ones that didn’t make it. It made my heart feel good that we could do that," veteran Denny Houska said.

The reading of the names was part of a patriotic program organized by Denny Houska for National Vietnam War Veterans Day. It completed a goal he made five years ago after visiting the Vietnam memorial at Apollo Park on the special day… and being the only one there.

“I decided that wasn’t right and I wanted to do something about that,” Houska said.

The program also recognized the locals who brought The Wall That Heals to town last year, the 2011 group that coordinated the arrival of a traveling exhibit, and the 1986 Jaycees who erected the memorial at Apollo Park.

Gloria LeDroit wrote the message that was inscribed on the plaque.

“It was just important for the Jaycees to do something beneficial for the area and they did a bang up job of it,” LeDroit said.

The ’86 memorial was the first Vietnam War veterans monument in Nebraska.

“It serves to remind (people) that, yes, it did happen and those who served deserve respect,” LeDroit said.

Vietnam War Veterans Day has extra significance this year. 2023 marks 50 years since the final U.S. ground combat forces left Vietnam. Veterans and supporters in Kearney haven’t forgotten.

“I was just really, really touched and pleased that there was so many that would come on a chilly day where there’s snow and everything. Veterans are brothers and sisters together and… support each other,” Houska said.