Veterans honored at CNVH include Dr. John Finkner of Minden, Don Graper of Gibbon, Doug Graul of Fairbury (first veteran interview in video), and Elmer Heeren of Hastings (second veteran interview)

KEARNEY, Neb. — Nebraska's government is saying thanks to its oldest military veterans.

Gov. Jim Pillen visited the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney on Tuesday as part of his administration's efforts to recognize all living World War Two veterans in Nebraska. Five World War Two veterans and one widow were part of the ceremony on Tuesday.

“Everything that all of us have is because of the greatest generation," Pillen said. "We don’t have a lot left, but the ones that are here, it’s important that we hear their stories, we say thank you and we keep their stories alive for generations to come.”

Each veteran received a medallion that said... "on behalf of a grateful state, thank you for your service"... on one side. The other side declared 80 years since victory in World War Two.

The veterans were thankful but understated in accepting the honor.

“We just did what we had to do," veteran Elmer Heeren said. "We’d be in a lot different situation if we hadn’t of done it. We saved the world, I think.”

Veterans can still apply to receive a medal. Them and their families can apply at https://veterans.nebraska.gov/world-war-ii-recognition-program.