Grand Island World War II Veteran to Receive Medal

Grand Island, Neb. — On Tuesday, April 1, Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele will be honoring World War II veteran Robert Hinrichs with a medal of recognition from the State of Nebraska.

Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) launched the World War II Recognition Program in 2025. The initiative’s goal is to honor Nebraska’s living World War II veterans in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This recognition is part of that effort.

Hinrichs will receive a “Celebrating 80 Years of Victory” medal during a special in-person ceremony on April 1 at 1 p.m. Hinrichs and his family will be gathered at Tabitha at Prairie Commons (3490 Ewoldt Street) for the special ceremony.

“Recognizing and thanking our living veterans is one of my top joys of being mayor,” Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele said. “I look forward to shaking Robert’s hand to thank him for his service and award him this prestigious medal from our state.”

To be eligible for these commemorative medals, a veteran must have served in the armed forces between December 1, 1941 to December 31, 1946. They must also be a current legal resident of Nebraska or demonstrate Nebraska residency at the time of entering the service. You can watch the Gov. Jim Pillen’s press conference announcing the program here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5W8XlgMckQ&t=368s