NORFOLK, Neb. -- On the 80th anniversary of World War II, Nebraska Veteran of Affairs Nebraska Veteran of Affairs is recognizing five veterans from Norfolk. is recognizing five veterans from Norfolk.

The recipients will be given a special medal and ribbon designed, and made by the state of Nebraska. The awards are usually given out by the Governor, but due a recent accident involving a horse riding injury, Gov. Jim Pillen is still recovering at home.

In his place, John Hilgert, Director Nebraska Veteran Affairs, spoke on his behalf and said, “Over 16 million Americans that went and served in World War II, 144,000 of them were from our state. And we want to recognize their service, the job that they did, the sacrifice, their commitment, and what it means for Americans today. We've had 80 years of peace in Europe. And we owe so much to these World War II veterans.

What they did in Europe, what they did in Japan, what they did in the Pacific, they really did. They made the world safe. We stopped the fascism. We stopped Imperial Japan. And we owe them and we want to recognize them.”

"What was done here today, was an opportunity for everyone to brush up on the history of World War II and what it was all about," Hilgert said. "If you know of a WWII Veteran that should be honored, please contact Nebraska Veteran Affairs.”

For more information on the initiative launched by Governor Pillen and NDVA to honor Nebraska’s living World War II veterans. Information on the program is available at https://veterans.nebraska.gov/ww2.