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Each Fallen Nebraska Military and First Responder Hero has a Story


Each fallen hero’s family member has a story. A tree named for each Nebraska fallen hero will provide lasting comfort and support to each family.

The Nebraska Memorial Forest will be a living tribute for all to visit. A sanctuary to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice the fallen made for our freedom and safety. An open place in nature where we can say with a grateful heart of the fallen hero, “I sincerely Honor and Remember you and I’m humbled to say your name.”


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Benefits to Nebraska



Honor and Remember

Assure Nebraska Families of the Fallen that their fallen hero is honored and remembered. Note: In time, Gold Star families could take clipping from their fallen hero’ tree for planting at their homes.

Living Memorial

A tree planted in someone's memory is a living tribute that benefits present and future generations, and is perhaps the most fitting memorial gift of all.

Healthy Environment

The trees will play a critical role in the creation of a healthy environment including tree replacement due to disease, storms and the natural life cycle of trees.

Increase Tourism

Provides a unique, large scale approach to increase tourism revenue. This would be supported and promoted by publications, media and civic organizations throughout the state.

Beautification

Further beautification of public land throughout the state.

Locations

City parks, cemeteries and public land throughout the state and state parks.
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Nebraska Memorial Forest

Nebraska Memorial Forest. 7,500 trees for 7,500 Nebraskan Fallen Heroes. By year end 2024 plant and maintain the health and growth of a Nebraska Memorial Forest. Each tree individually dedicated and named for a Nebraska military or first responder fallen hero.
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    Locations

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    Memorial Park

    7 Trees planted | Represent each of the armed forces and 1st responders | September 18, 2022
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    Lake Cunningham

    200 Trees planted | October 12, 2022. Lake Cunningham is a 390-acre lake surrounded by a 1,050-acre park. The lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and recreation and opened to the public in 1977. Use Campground Entrance at 8305 Rainwood Road, Omaha, NE 68122.
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    Levi-Carter Park

    60 Trees planted | September 27, 2022. Levi Carter Park is located at 3100 Abbott Drive in East Omaha, Nebraska. It was named after one of Omaha's original industrialists, Levi Carter, who ran a white lead smelter in the area.
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    NP Dodge Park

    175 Trees planted | October 3, 2023. N.P. Dodge Memorial Park, or simply Dodge Park, is a recreational area located at 11001 John J. Pershing Drive in North Omaha, Nebraska.
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    Nebraska Parkway

    75 Trees planted | November 7, 2023. A stretch of park from 40th Street to 48th Street along the bike path and Nebraska Parkway in Lincoln, NE.
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    Youngman Park

    50 Trees planted | October 6, 2023. Nebraska's fallen heroes honored with new life at Elkhorn's Youngman Park. 192nd and W. Dodge Rd. Omaha, NE 68116.
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    Prairie Queen Park

    200 Trees planted | October 17, 2023. Bryan High School and Papillion La Vista South JROTC, along with volunteers, in planted 200 trees as part of the Nebraska National Forest.
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    Horning State Park

    50 Trees planted | October 13, 2023. Horning State Farm Demonstration Forest comprises 240 acres that include native woodland, planted woodland, plantable grassy areas, bluegrass pasture and arboretum and wildlife areas.
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    Coming Soon

    Location coming soon.
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    Frequently Asked Questions?

    How is eligibility for a tree determined?

    Tree eligibility is any Nebraska fallen military and first responder heroes who died while serving our county or from exposure to Agent Orange, burn pit toxins or losing their battle with PTSD from Spanish-American War forward.


    Who makes up the Nebraska Memorial Forest team?

    The NMF team, the ‘Coalition of the Willing’, is comprised of respected executive and senior leaders with extensive environmental knowledge, skills, networks, and resources to fulfill the vision. Team members are Honor and Remember Nebraska Chapter, Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Resource Districts, American Reforestation Initiative, Parks and Recreation Directors, businesses, Conservation/Environmental organizations, Chambers of Commerce, Nebraska nurseries and volunteers who help plant and care for the trees.


    How will a Fallen Hero tree be identified?

    A interactive map using GPS to mark and locate each Fallen Hero tee will be used. The interactive map will provide pictures, general information and story information if available on each Fallen Hero.


    What are the size and species and size of trees?

    The trees are 6’ to 7’ tall when planted. Nebraska arborists choose the tree type from the many hearty species of trees common in Nebraska and that do well in each specific Nebraska Memorial Forest location.

    What is the per tree cost?

    Per tree cost is $300. This is based on discussions with NRDs, Nebraska Forest Service, Parks and Recreation leadership and nurseries. The $300 includes the cost of a 6’ to 7’ seven gallon grow bag tree, transportation costs, auguring the holes, mulching, maintaining the trees (staking, watering, protective sleeves, spraying if needed), signage, pathways and bench(s).


    Is there any additional costs?

    The interactive map technology is a seperate cost from the per tree cost and will require addtional funds to be raised. Cost to include recording each tree GPS location, picture of each tree, research of Fallen Hero information, tracking and organizing information, database, importing to the map, updating/adding to Fallen Hero information and yearly maintenance of the map and website.


    How is the project funded?

    The project is funded by organizations and individuals who feel it is worthy to have a tree planted for every Nebraska fallen. Funding sources are private/public partnerships, foundations, grants, the business community, local communities, families, and individuals.


    How can I donate?

    We have partnered with Midlands Community Foundation so we can accept donations. You can use this link to donate. For more information contact Jim Meier, Director, Honor and Remember Nebraska Chapter.



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    The Honor and Remember flag and Honor and Sacrifice flag were created to be an official national symbol that solely and specifically recognizes in gratitude and respect the ultimate sacrifice made by members of the United States military and first responders.