
In a story in Thursday's editions of the Omaha World-Herald, the newspaper pointed out that Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson was not in attendance at the funeral of Army 1st Lt. Jacob Fritz Wednesday in Falls City.
The Reader's Media Notes reviewed World-Herald stories documenting the funerals and memorial services of 32 Nebraskans (through Thursday) who have been killed or died in the war in Iraq. (Editor's note: Not all 32 were buried or had memorial services in the state of Nebraska.) Only Thursday's story, co-authored by staff writers Tim Elfrink and Robynn Tysver, makes reference to a public or elected official's absence:
Among those attending the service was Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., who recommended Fritz for West Point. Hagel was invited to the service by Fritz's mother.
"I remember reading his application. It was one of the best I'd ever read," Hagel said after the service.
As several outside the auditorium thanked him for attending, Hagel declined to talk about his views on the Iraq war, saying it was not the appropriate time. He returned to Washington after the funeral
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., also was invited but was unable to attend. Nelson recently spoke with members of Fritz's family and expressed his condolences, an aide said.
The Reader's Media Notes contacted Nelson's office, which confirmed that it was contacted about the senator's absence and provided the World-Herald the following statement:
"Senator Nelson was invited to the funeral but cannot attend because the Senate is in session and votes are expected. He did speak with the family a few days ago to express his condolences."
Eleven World-Herald stories written between April of 2003 and Thursday make reference to elected or public officials in attendance. But none refer to someone's absence or provide an explanation for one.
World-Herald Managing Editor Mike Reilly did not immediately respond to questions from The Reader's Media Notes.
Here are the Omaha World-Herald stories which reference elected or public officials in attendance at memorial services or funerals for Nebraskans who were military victims of the war in Iraq:
Travis Ford, April 17, 2003
Reporter David Hendee
Among the dignitaries attending were Gov. Mike Johanns and Adjutant Gen. Roger Lempke of the Nebraska National Guard.
Jeremy Fischer, July 22, 2004
Reporter Stephen Buttry
Gov. Mike Johanns sat with the military contingent.
Eric Knott, Sept. 15, 2004
Reporter Paul Hammel
About 500 people, including an estimated 150 members of the Knott family and Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns, were in Trinity Lutheran Church for the service.
Shane Kielion, Nov. 25, 2004
Reporters Rick Ruggles and Kristin Zagurski
Among the dignitaries who attended were Lt. Gov. Dave Heineman, Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and Omaha Public Schools Superintendent John Mackiel.
Also attending were State Sens. John Synowiecki and Chip Maxwell, Nebraska Veterans' Affairs Director John Hilgert, and County Commissioner Mike Boyle and his wife, Anne, who is a member of the Public Service Commission.
Nicholas Nolte, Dec. 8, 2004
Reporter Robynn Tysver
Lt. Gov. Dave Heineman also attended.
Garrison Avery, Feb. 26, 2006
Reporter John Ferak
Also attending the service were Gov. Dave Heineman, U.S. Sens. Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson, U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry and Lincoln Mayor Coleen Seng.
Benjamin Slaven, June 21, 2006 Brent Zoucha, June 21, 2006
Reporters Tim Elfrink and Martha Stoddard
Among those attending Slaven's service was Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, who also attended Zoucha's funeral in Clarks.
Jeremy Jones, July 9, 2006
Reporter Tim Elfrink
Among those at the church were U.S. Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb.; Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy; and Maj. Gen. Roger Lempke, the Nebraska National Guard's adjutant general.
Joshua Ford, Aug. 11, 2006
Reporter Derek Kravitz
Among those at the church were Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy; Maj. Gen. Roger Lempke, the Nebraska Guard's adjutant general; and Marksmeier's brother, Sgt. Chadwick Marksmeier, who was a member of Ford's unit.
Germaine Debro, Sept. 19, 2006
Reporter C. David Kotok
Before him sat local dignitaries in suits, U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, U.S. Reps. Lee Terry and Jeff Fortenberry, as well as people in work clothes and military dress.
Jacob Fritz, Feb. 1, 2007
Reporters Tim Elfrink and Robynn Tysver
(Refer to text in story above.)