NORTH PLATTE - Some dreams remain as dreams, and some become reality. For Don Craig, the vision of a Veterans' memorial is North Platte, Neb., is on the road to becoming a reality. On veterans Day, November 11, a ribbon cutting was held to officially open the Mid-Nebraska Veteran's Memorial Association office which is located in the Pawnee Hotel. Doing the ribbon cutting was World War I veteran, Pete Christ, who is 106 years old. Wilma Salisbury, the office manager and Maxine Craig held the Ribbon.

The purpose of the office is to raise funds in order to "build a permanent memorial monument dedicated to and honoring the military men and women who served honorably in time of way and peace during the Twentieth Century." The name of a veteran can be permanently embedded on a brick that will be part of the Walk of Honor, and is the main source of fundraising for the Memorial. Ted Long, North Platte Artist, will create an impressive bronze statue of three veterans that will be more that life sized and will be placed at the entrance of the memorial. A limited number of replicas will be signed and numbered and will be given to those contributing $10,000 toward the memorial.

At the far end of the Walk of Honor a brick mural 40 feet long and 15 feet high will depict scenes from World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf wars. The mural's "Wings" will show women from the wars and five ethnic origins. This Memorial will be a sobering reminder of the importance of preserving peace and freedom in the United States.

Service persons from the State of Nebraska who gave their lives for their country, will be honored with a plaque in the "Place Of Meditation">

Please call the Veterans' Memorial Association office for more information or to purchase your brick to honor a veteran. The office is open Monday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. The address is P.O. Bo. 1393, North Platte, NE. 69103-1393 or phone (308) 532-6579.