
There is a very special event happening locally this week. As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War, our local gem of a Veteran’s Memorial Museum will be hosting the Vietnam War Memorial Traveling Wall, Thursday to Sunday. Whether you visit the original wall in Washington, D.C. or this traveling wall, it is a moving experience. This traveling wall is 80% of the size of the original wall in Washington, D.C. This is the second visit for the traveling wall. During the 2007 visit of the wall, 10,000 people paid their respects.
The Wall has 58,000 names of those who died in Vietnam etched on it. There was a time when you either knew or were related to someone serving in Vietnam and visiting the wall provides a special opportunity to pay respect to those individuals and for their service. I have visited the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. and have experienced the emotions of remembrance and respect in the presence of those 58,000 names.
There are more than 200 volunteers working on this event to help with locating names and escorting visitors to specific names on the wall. There will also be Chaplains available throughout the visit for those who need it. If you would like to learn more about the wall visit the museum or online go to www. veteransmuseum.org.
If you have the time to visit this special event please do. Here is the schedule of events during its four day visit to the area. The Veterans Memorial Museum is located at 100 SW Veterans Way.
Thursday, July 31st: Laying of the Wreath at 6 p.m.
Friday, August 1st: Opening Ceremonies at 6 p.m.
Saturday, August 2nd: 11 a.m. John Plaster, 4 p.m. Author J.A. Jance and music by the 133rd Army Band, The Brass Patriots will be playing.
Sunday, August 3rd: 8 a.m. Church Service with Chaplain Stan Baker. Closing Ceremonies at 2 p.m. with former Lewis County Commissioner Ron Averill will be speaking.
Quote of the Week:
“The Vietnam memorial is a masterpiece. The names of the dead are listed there, chronologically. Just the names”. William Westmoreland.
Weather:
Continued warm weather means happy gardens and happy gardeners. Sun for the next week or so is in the forecast. Enjoy!