The Seward Rotary Club held their July 3 rd Seward Rotary Club meeting at the New Nebraska National Guard Museum at noon. A luncheon and fellowship preceded the program featuring the new exhibit “Cornrows to Hedgerows-Liberation of St. Lo, France by Ne National Guard.” The program was presented by Gerry Meyer, Director of the NNGM, who spoke on the new exhibit and the timeline from the conception of the exhibit to the final process and completion of the $250,000 presentation.
The Seward Rotary Club held their July 3 rd Seward Rotary Club meeting at the New Nebraska National Guard Museum at noon. A luncheon and fellowship preceded the program featuring the new exhibit “Cornrows to Hedgerows-Liberation of St. Lo, France by Ne National Guard.” The program was presented by Gerry Meyer, Director of the NNGM, who spoke on the new exhibit and the timeline from the conception of the exhibit to the final process and completion of the $250,000 presentation.
The exhibit was completed with donations from corporations, businesses, organizations and individuals. The Seward Rotary Club presented Gerry Meyer a check for $2500.00 to assist in the funding process. The exhibit depicts the 134 th Infantry Regiment of the Nebraska National Guard, as they fought through the hedgerows of France’s countryside and defeat the Nazi’s, to liberate the City of St. Lo, France. In the process, over 50 members of the Nebraska National Guard 134 th Infantry Regiment were killed, with many more wounded. The exhibit is a life-size, walk through experience-4 D, and is based on the famous oil painting of the liberation of St. Lo, France titled “From Cornrows to Hedgerows” by Keith Rocco painting. The visitors actually walk through the painting, featuring soldiers in combat at the Hedgerows of St. Lo, France.
Meyer also saluted Rotarian Chuck Matzke and his wife Jan, who led the drive to fund the new exhibit. The Matzke’s were recently honored with the Distinguish Service Award by the Nebraska National Guard for their work with the funding raising for projects with the New Nebraska National Guard Museum-raising almost $500,000 for exhibits at the new museum.
Meyer spoke on the challenges of the exhibit and the story of several of the soldiers that were part of the liberation. He commented on the Keith Rocco painting and how the exhibit brings the painting to life.
“The Matzke’s are gifts to our museum and we so appreciate their tireless work, to see that the new exhibits are funded and our soldier’s story is told!” Stated Meyer, “We appreciate the support of the numerous industries, businesses and individuals that stepped up to honor our soldiers in this battle and victory of 75 years ago in St. Lo. The Matzke’s worked very hard to make the exhibit a reality!”
He commented on the new Nebraska National Guard Gift Shop, coordinated by his wife, Mary Meyer, also a volunteer and funded and operated by the Nebraska National Guard Historical Society. He thanked his wife Mary for her volunteer efforts to make the new gift shop a reality and invited the Rotarians to stop and shop at the new store located in the east side of the museum.
Gerry Meyer spoke on the approaching tour in Europe this summer, hosted by the museum to honor the 75th anniversary of St. Lo. It is a trip to France to commemorate the 75 th anniversary of the liberation of select cities by members of the Nebraska National Guard’s famed 134 th Infantry Regiment in World War II. The group will be in St. Lo, France on July 18 th , the day of the liberation 75 years ago and several celebrations are planned which will include the Nebraska delegation. The will pay homage the sacrifice and courage at Normandy American, Lorraine American and Luxembourg American Cemeteries to lay a wreath for gallant warriors from Nebraska that are buried there. The tour will visit Normandy, and Germany at Habkirchen, along with the site of the Battle of Bulge and the Rhine River. Visits include stops in France, Germany, and Austria. The group of 45+ is being hosted by Executive Travel of Lincoln, John Glenn owner.
The museum is open M-F from 8 to 4 and week-ends by appointment, with free admission. Questions and answers followed with a sneak preview of the exhibit, prior to the ribbon cutting on July 4, 2019. Meyer’s personal goal is 10,000 visitors on July 4 at the dedication. For more information contact Gerry Meyer at 712-269-1981.