HOMING PIGEONS:
A POIGNANT PART OF SEPTEMBER 11 CEREMONY

By Deone Roberts, AU Sport Development

During an address to a memorial service in Omaha honoring the fallen of September 11, 2001, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson stated, “ . . . America is a changed nation, more somber and more steadfast. The acts of terror that pierced the calm of that beautiful fall morning 5 years ago may have smashed stone and twisted steel, but they did not break America’s spirit.”

Senator Nelson’s tribute was followed by a moving pigeon release conducted by American Racing Pigeon Union member Randall Carney, for the ceremony’s closing musical number. Randall regularly volunteers his services for these types of events as a contribution to his community.

Additionally, Randall, who is a member of the Omaha Racing Pigeon Association, presented a plaque to Senator Nelson naming him an honorary member of the racing club. Nelson has spoken with Randall several times about getting back into the hobby. The senator raised pigeons when he was a boy growing up in his hometown of McCook, Nebraska, and currently raises wild turkeys near his cabin.

Our hats are off to Randall for taking advantage of an opportunity to showcase the birds in a profoundly positive light while giving back to his community.

Randall is the Public Relations Director for the club and past winner of the AU Sport Promotion Person of the Year award. He regularly restocks his information and promotion handouts from the AU in order to be prepared for any request to know more about the birds, the clubs and racing. His efforts contribute to the favorable impression the public and city officials can have of the birds.