Heat keeps Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival and Sesquicentennial
opening short    

[AUG. 22, 2003]  After getting past the sweltering heat of the day (105 heat index), the distinct military presence of flag- and gun-bearing VFW members in formation, and the crowd of observers stacked in portable bleachers in front of a stage of guest speakers, one suddenly realizes the subtle but definitive vision that lies behind it all. It is the object of import at this occasion. There lies a long, glossy, low black wall. A bank of flags stands before the sleek, angular design, which sports a highly reflective gloss. The total image is one of stunning sophistication. The appearance of the wall itself sets a somber tone fitting for its purpose.

This day marked both a serious and a light moment in Lincoln's history. It was a day to open celebrations both to annual fun times in Lincoln, the 30th art fair and 15th balloon fest, and to celebrate 150 years of history in this city. With the privilege of hosting the traveling wall, it provided opportunity to pay tribute to our veterans, particularly those of Vietnam, as well.

Brian Ash served as master of ceremonies. After a warm welcome and appreciation for all the hard work done to bring all of the events together, Ash said: You may have noticed the use of the watermelon in connection with the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival and Lincoln Sesquicentennial. The watermelon juice and fruit have a lot of historical significance to Lincoln. In addition, the watermelon has a lot of seeds. The local chamber of commerce sees that, like the watermelon has many seeds, they are planting many seeds that will have an impact on tomorrow. This year's chamber of commerce motto is "Planting seeds for community progress."

Mayor Beth Davis welcomed everyone and thanked all those who worked so hard getting the wall here and preparing a great celebration for the town named after a wonderful president, Abraham Lincoln.

Ash introduced Lincoln historian Paul Gleason. Gleason spiritedly wove a recollection of the '50s and '60s in Lincoln and in the United States. He spoke about everyday life, recalling tidbits of culture, bobby socks and hula hoops, rock-and-roll songs, and familiar local places such as the old high school. He then tactfully unfolded the politics that led to the Vietnam War. At which time former 'Nam veteran Vance was introduced.

Vance, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran who served in the 51st Airborne special operations unit, is frequently asked to speak. Over the years he had become aware that oftentimes people don't realize or forget what value our veterans have to our country. He said, "Memorials are not for war. They're depicted for the warriors." We need to remember they gave their lives for peace.

The wall bears the names of 58,218 Vietnam soldiers who were either killed or are missing. Ash read the names of six Logan County soldiers who gave their lives: John Douglas Baker, George James Orr, Michael Thomas Scroggins, Carson Culleton, David Lee Jones and Raymond Leon Gee Jr. Some of their family members sat in the bleachers, with the sun bearing down on them, hearing the words of appreciation for the gift of their loved ones' life.

Family members of Vietnam soldiers from Logan County who gave their lives for peace.
 Note - click on picture for larger image. 
[Picture by Bob Frank]

Speaking of the sacrifice of soldiers' lives, Sen. Larry Bomke said, "The pictures are there to remind us of just how young the men and women are. We shouldn't forget them, but remember them every day of the year."

[Jan Youngquist]