Celebrating all those who have dedicated their careers to caring for the sick and injured is the emphasis of the Tribute to Caregivers Plaza. The plaza will be on the east side of the Hixson Lied Center, just south of Clarkson Tower.
A dedication ceremony will he held for employees and the community on Tuesday, May 23 at 1 p.m. in the plaza. An invitation-only recognition luncheon will be held earlier in the day.
The Tribute to Caregivers Plaza will consist of three separate areas: the Tribute to Caregivers sculpture, the glass panel display and the flagpole area. Today, the flagpole project will be featured. Omaha sculptor John Lajba’s “Tribute to Caregivers sculpture will be featured in UNMC Today on May 22.
Flagpole presentation
The flagpole project is made possible through the generosity of Fred and Sally Bekins of Omaha. The Bekins developed a foundation from which they fund flag pole projects across the metro area.
Fred Bekins said his devotion to flags and his patriotism is directly related to his military duty. He served in the Navy during World War II. From 1943-46 he was stationed on an aircraft carrier and flagship in the South Pacific. He has been a member of American Legion Post No. 1 for more than 60 years.
In addition to the flag display in the Tribute to Caregivers Plaza, the Bekins also are responsible for flag displays at the Lauritzen Gardens and Omaha Central High School’s new football field. Another flag display project is in the works at the Child Saving Institute.
The Bekins family will be present at the dedication. Two of the Bekins’ grandsons – Boy Scouts working toward their Eagle Scout designation — will take part in the ceremony.
“We like helping out on projects like this,” Fred Bekins said. “We get a great deal of joy when we see the finished project.”