Grand Island has approved renaming one street in their city and it could help preserve a nearly 130 year history.
The efforts follow Governor Dave Heineman's announcement several months ago concerning the building of a new central Nebraska veterans home. Renaming a portion of Capital Avenue is one way to showcase the city's support to its veterans.
Grand Island's city council meeting saw a full house, many attending in support of keeping the veterans home in Grand Island. City Administrator Mary Lou Brown said, "Renaming roads is not common here, my guess is the last time it was done was the addition of the name for Tom Osborne on highway 281."
As an honor to those that currently have and will service America, the city will rename a portion of Capital Avenue from Broadwell to Webb Road, the dedication sign will read ‘Veterans Memorial Avenue.'
"I haven't had anyone talk about a reason why the city shouldn't keep the vets home here," said Brown.
It's been around since 1887 and plays a big role in the community.
"We do so much with the [facilities] in the community -- school kids or local groups go to the vets home or to the VA hospital to visit," said Scott Dugan, a veteran and city council member. "Whether were fighting to keep the facility or not, it's a great thing. We want to keep it here and make it even better."
