A uniformed retired veteran stands at attention with his back to the camera.
Crawford Serving Humanities

Remember. Honor.

The Vietnam Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute is brought to Northwest Nebraska by Crawford Serving Humanities to recognize the service and sacrifice made by all veterans. Help honor them Sept. 9-12, 2026 at the Crawford Ball Fields.

Schedule of Events

Tentative Schedule – Updated Jan. 15, 2026

Sept. 8

ESCORT/ARRIVAL

  • 10:00 a.m. – AVTT truck & trailer to meet at Mile Marker 46 Hwy 20 east of Crawford

  • 10:55 a.m. –  Approximate Arrival 

  • 11:30 a.m. – Wall panels to be unloaded and set up

REMEMBERING OUR HEROES, SALUE TO VETERANS DAY:

    • 9:00 a.m. – Reveille, brief welcome by CSH, opening prayer & blessing, national anthem, and songs by Crawford Elementary

    • 9:30 a.m. – Welcome by Mayor April Grant

    • 10:00 a.m. – Welcome & honoring of veterans, student history presentations

    • 12:00 p.m. – Flag folding presentation

    • 3:00 p.m. – Veteran Speaker: Jim Stolldorf, poetry reading by Ashy Blacksheep, reading of a letter from the front by Roger Campbell

    • 5:00 p.m. – Cannon firing demonstration by 1st SW Nebraska Battery, taps

GUARDIANS OF THE PAST, LEADERS OF THE FUTURE

  • 9:00 a.m. – Presentation of the colors, national anthem and patriotic music

  • 9:15 a.m. – Invocation and words of encouragement

  • 9:25 a.m. – Welcome by Roger Campbell, Gold Star Family & Mothers recognition

  • 9:35 a.m. – Honoring Gold Star Families: musical & video presentation, presentation of Gold Star banner and wreath, recognition of Gold Star Families in attendance

  • 9:50 a.m. – Remarks from State or local representative

  • 10:00 a.m. – Words from Mrs. Pat Marcek – Gold Star Mother

  • 10:10 a.m. – Placement of the wreath

  • 12:00 p.m. – Patriotic event TBD

  • 3:00 p.m. – Women in Military Service program presented by Laurie Miller – PEO

  • 5:00 p.m. – Taps

PATRIOT’S DAY

  • 8:00 a.m. – Raising of the flag by Honor Guard

  • 8:15 a.m. – Patriotic music and ringing of Crawford church bells

  • 9:00 a.m. – Welcome & opening remarks by American Legion District representative

  • 9:10 a.m. – Introduction of Honored Guests

  • 9:20 a.m. – Guest speakers TBD

  • 10:05 a.m. – Roll of Honor, 21-gun salute, honor guard, flyover

  • 10:20 a.m. – Closing benediction

  • 11:00 a.m. – Laying of memorial wreath at the Patriot Day panel

  • 12:00 p.m. – Welcome by Kerri Rempp, Fire & EMT vehicles on display, recognition of first responders, community appreciation

  • 3:00 p.m. – Generations in Service presentation

  • 4:30 p.m. – Flag Retirment Ceremony by the American Legion

  • 5:00 p.m. – Taps

FAMILY FUN DAY

  • 8:00 a.m. – Warrior 5K walk/run

  • 9:00 a.m. – golf outing, reveille, presentation of the colors, opening prayer, national anthem, flyover, patriotic songs

  • 9:30 a.m. – Welcome, poetry reading by Ashy Blacksheep, POW Day Table setting

  • 10:00 a.m. – POW/MIA Honor presentation

  • 12:00 p.m. – Quilt of Valor presentation

  • 1:00 p.m. – games and family events

  • 3:00 p.m. – Native American presentation

  • 5:00 p.m. – Lowering of the Flag, event closing ceremony, benediction, flag folding ceremony, taps

  • 7:00 p.m. – Gone with the West concert in the Crawford High School Auditorium, doors open at 6:00 p.m. Click HERE to purchase tickets!

FAREWELL

  • 8:45 a.m. – Coffee & danishes at concession stand

  • 9:00 a.m. –  Raising of the Flag, music 

  • 9:30 a.m. – Community church service at the Wall, guests may bring lawn chairs

  • 10:15 a.m. – Dismantling and loading of the tributes

  • TBD – CSH members to lower the Flag, fold, and present to the City of Crawford