GRAND ISLAND- Several hundred people, including local and state officials, gathered last Friday for the groundbreaking of the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island, which is meant to improve and expand the existing Soldiers and Sailor Cemetery, a plot of land connected to the Grand Island Veterans Home.

The underlying theme throughout Friday's speeches at the event was how much successful collaboration was needed to make the project come together. Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele started conversations about a potential add-on two years ago, and said that he had placed the idea in front of John Hilgert, director of the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs.

At the time, Stelle knew that the endeavor was "going to require the cooperation of the city, the state and federal government. That's a huge organizational lift." Gov. Pillen, who spoke at the event, said the project was only possible "because of the dogged undeniable determination of Sen. Aguilar," who would "not take no." Rep. Adrian Smith, also in attendance, said he wasn't surprised by the size of Friday's turnout, "because I know Grand Island shows up for veterans."

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