Every year, the UNO College Democrats place flags in the UNO Pep Bowl to honor troops in Iraq and Afghanistan – one flag for every fallen soldier. The Pep Bowl transforms into a solemn memorial and a hush falls over the campus. This nonpartisan event reminds us that while we go about our days – speaking and thinking freely – American men and women are risking and losing their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan so that we may have the freedoms we enjoy.
This year’s event begins with flag-placing on Sunday, April 25th, beginning at 1pm. Monday, April 26th and Wednesday, April 28th are the days when volunteers read the names of the fallen soldiers from 10am to 5pm. Tuesday, April 27th is a day of silence.
The closing ceremonies take place on Wednesday at 5pm. After the National Anthem and a few opening words by Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, Larry Bradley, veteran of the US Army and Commander of the American GI Forum-Omaha Chapter, will be delivering the keynote address. We will read the names of the fallen soldiers from Nebraska and place flowers next to their flags. There will also be an honor guard, thanks to the American GI Forum-Omaha Chapter.
Servicemen and servicewomen, veterans, families, and friends are invited to participate in flag-placing or name-reading, and to attend the closing ceremonies. If you have questions regarding volunteering for anything, please send Brittany Grabow a message.
Please also feel free to use the Tribute to the Fallen Firefox persona made by Jared Brower.
