At 2:00 pm Saturday afternoon, June 14, 2008, on a beautiful sunny Nebraska day, the Friend Lions Club released more than 600 balloons in honor and memory of all veterans. Those attending the activities participated in the large release from the football field in Friend.

This project began at the suggestion of Jack Woosley, who wanted to send up balloons on Flag Day to commemorate soldier serving, the especially the soldiers currently serving in Iraq and to acknowledge the greatest gift of all == their life for yours and my freedom.

The project evolved to include all veterans, those currently serving around the world, those who have served and returned home, those who never made it home, and those who are now deceased.

The Friend Lions Club offered balloons for $1 each in colors of red, white, blue and yellow.

We want to thank all who purchased balloons, encourage those who might find these balloons to let us know where they have landed, and to encourage everyone to let the soldiers in their family know that we care about them.

The Friend American Legion Post provided a color guard, Paul Ramp, Friend High School music instructor brought patriotic music, Darin Thompson, Commander of the Friend American Legion, and Bob Mead, retired US Army, and WWII Prisoner of War, each gave a short talk.