By SCOTT CARLSON
North Platte Post
GRAND ISLAND, Neb.-Whenever a new name is added to the wall at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial in Grand Island, it hits home for all Nebraskans. This year's ceremony hit particularly close to home for Lincoln County residents as one of our own was added to the wall.
At the ceremony held in Grand Island on Friday, former Lincoln County Reserve Deputy Kevin Patrick Kennedy, Jr. was added to the wall.
Kennedy served with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for just over 20 years. He died in December of 2020 from complications of COVID-19.
Kennedy was a veteran of the United Sates Marine Corps, serving from 1964-1968. Kennedy proudly served in Company Hotel Second Battalion 7th Marine and was stationed in Vietnam. He attained the rank of sergeant and was a counter-guerrilla warfare instructor for the Marine Corps. Kevin received many awards and commendations, including a Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal and Rifle Expert Badge.
He left behind his wife, three sons, a daughter and three grandchildren.
"Although every day is hard without him, I have peace with my dad. I believe he is one of the lucky few that truly lived," said his daughter Mary Ellen Kennedy at the ceremony.
"When I was in Washington, D.C. this last week for the Law Enforcement Memorial they constantly reminded us all that it's not how they died it's how they lived. But I sincerly know my Dad would even challenge that, it is how they continue to live," Mary Ellen said. "And by that, it is how we strive to pick up where they left off, their lives continue to run through us."
The Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial on the grounds at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska was dedicated Monday, May 11, 2009. The dark granite memorial with 142 names etched into it's surface honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to those who still answer the call.
Photos and video courtesy of the Nebraska State Patrol.
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