Omaha Mayor's Brother Delivers Keynote at Memorial Park Ceremony
A retired Navy veteran stepped into the spotlight last Thursday, delivering remarks under the theme 'Veterans Shine On' ahead of the Nov. 11 holiday.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Eric Ewing, a retired Navy veteran, served as the keynote speaker at Omaha's Memorial Park ceremony on Thursday. He is the brother of Mayor John Ewing Jr. Ewing, who completed 20 years of service in the Navy, did not initially expect to address the crowd. He believed his role was limited to laying a wreath.
"When I found out, I thought actually I was supposed to just be a wreath layer," Ewing said. "You know, and then Mike had sent me an email and I saw keynote speaker and I'm like, okay, I thought I was laying a wreath. So I said, well, maybe I need to get something together."
Mayor Ewing Jr. noted that the family connection made the event distinctive for the administration. "This year was really special because I got to do this with my brother, who's a 20-year Navy veteran," the mayor said. "So it was an awesome experience."
The ceremony operated under the theme "Veterans Shine On." Mayor Ewing Jr. connected the slogan to the purpose of public recognition. "The bright light drives out the darkness and allows us to be able to see all of the great things of this world," he stated.
Army veteran Dwain Holmes, a regular attendee, shared his personal history during the event. Holmes served 18 months in Vietnam, completing a full tour and extending it for six additional months. He was hospitalized for six months just before a second extension was scheduled. After his military service, Holmes spent 35 years working as a missionary in the Amazon. He currently serves as a chaplain for four groups.
Holmes emphasized the continuity of sacrifice across generations. His father was a pilot in World War II over the Pacific, and his brother served in Vietnam alongside him. "Freedom isn't free. And too many people have forgotten the sacrifices that have gone on long before myself," Holmes said. He urged the public to engage directly with veterans, particularly those from the Vietnam era.
"For other people, you see a veteran, thank them for their service. If it's a Vietnam veteran, tell them welcome home. It's very, very important," Holmes said. Veterans Day is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 11.
