Chuck and Jan Matzke of Seward hosted the 171st Nebraska National Guard Birthday on Dec. 18 at the museum in Seward.
The Nebraska National Guard (NENG) was founded on Dec. 23, 1854. The celebration brought out the lieutenant governor and adjutant general with many dignitaries in attendance.
The brunch was catered by Pizza Kitchen in Milford. Music during the hour was provided by Seward’s Spirit of Christmas Band – Joanie and Christie Brecka on trumpet. The event was featured on Pure Nebraska with Grace McDonald.
The program was directed by the master of ceremonies, Major Cody Cade. The official party was Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly and the 34th Adjutant General and Commander of the NENG – Major Gen. Craig Strong.
The invocation and benediction were given by NENG Chaplain Zachary Brueningsen. The colors were brought in by Living History Actors Tye Coldiron, David Smith, Jarret Willet and Donovan Geaghan dressed in uniforms of the NENG from the 19th century. The National Anthem was sung by Jon Sronce (opera singer). The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Seward Mayor Josh Eickmeier.
The “Nebraska National Guard at 171” was presented by historian Jerry Meyer, with additional comments from Kelly. The main speaker was Strong who thanked the supporters of the museum for keeping the history and heritage of the NENG alive today.
Sronce led the group in singing the Army and Air Force songs. CSM Dennis Krecklow led the cake cutting ceremony in which he, Kelly and Strong cut the ceremonial cake.
The event ended with a kick off for USA150. Clark “Mr. Fourth of July” Kolterman invited the GFWC/NFWC ladies to present USA250 flags to Kelly, Strong, Meyer and Gen. Daryl Bohac (state historical society).
The event was hosted and supported by a generous donation from Chuck and Jan Matzke of Seward and Ellan Hove of Lincoln.
Docents Monica Braun, Katy Pauley, Dave Thurber, Steve and Sharon Hambek, Mary Meyer and Eric Teegerstrom helped serve and seat people for the brunch and program.
Betsy Ross (Maren Kolterman) and George Washington (Evitt Bartels) helped present the USA250 flags.
“We showcased a great museum and showed the patriotism that is on display all year round in Seward,” Meyer said.
The USA250 events at the NENG Museum will feature the “Faces of Rushmore.” The Museum Actors Program will bring in George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. These professional actors are sponsored by Van and Becky Vahle of Seward, Cattle Bank and Trust and the Humanities Nebraska grant.
The museum is looking for donors to the USA250 displays for July, 2026. If you can support the museum, call (402) 309-8763 or stop by to discuss a contribution. Next July promises to be the biggest celebration of the country since the Bicentennial in 1976.
Make plans to be in Seward for USA250.
