Omaha Mayor's Brother Delivers Keynote at Veterans Day Ceremony

Eric Ewing spent 20 years serving in the United States Navy before retiring. On Thursday, he returned to Omaha as the keynote speaker for the city's annual veterans ceremony at Memorial Park. The event marked a personal milestone for the Ewing family, as Eric stood at the podium alongside his brother, Mayor John Ewing Jr.

The ceremony, held on November 5, centered on the theme "Veterans Shine On." Mayor Ewing Jr. described the concept as a bright light driving out darkness, a sentiment he shared with the attendees. For Eric Ewing, the role was an unexpected elevation. He initially believed his duty was limited to laying a wreath. It was only after receiving an email from a colleague named Mike that he learned he was the featured speaker. "I thought I was laying a wreath," Ewing said. "So I said, well, maybe I need to get something together."

The event also featured remarks from Dwain Holmes, an Army veteran who has attended the ceremony for several years. Holmes served 18 months in Vietnam, completing a full tour and serving an additional six months. He was preparing to extend his service a second time when a six-month hospital stay ended his deployment. After his military service, Holmes spent 35 years working as a missionary in the Amazon region. He currently serves as a chaplain for four different groups.

Holmes emphasized the personal cost of military service, noting that his father was a pilot in World War II over the Pacific and that he and his brother were both in Vietnam at the same time. "Freedom isn't free," Holmes told the crowd. He urged attendees to acknowledge the sacrifices of those who came before. "You see a veteran, thank them for their service. If it's a Vietnam veteran, tell them welcome home. It's very, very important," he said.

The city will mark the official holiday next week. Veterans Day is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11. The Memorial Park ceremony serves as the primary local observance leading up to that date.