The Vietnam Veterans wall in Washington, D.C., is a hallowed memorial that chronologically lists the names of more than 58,000 military members who gave their lives during the Vietnam War.
It provides an opportunity for reflection, and stirs emotions and feelings in the millions of people who visit it each year.
Not everyone can travel to Washington to see it, however, either because of cost, schedule conflicts or physical limitations.
American Legion Post 24 in Columbus, however, is trying to raise nearly $64,000 to bring a traveling Vietnam Veterans wall exhibit to the city. That’s appreciated.
The traveling wall is half the size of the permanent memorial in Washington, and is scheduled to be on display at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds July 27-31.
Admission will be free, but donations will be accepted. The memorial will be on display 24 hours a day, and at least 100,000 visitors are expected.
The exhibit has been touring the country since 1984, and previously made a stop in Bartholomew County in 2002 at the Columbus Municipal Airport.
This is a good idea to support. Veterans who don’t have the means to travel to Washington to visit the permanent memorial will appreciate the chance to see this traveling exhibit. For some, it could be therapeutic and offer an opportunity for healing.
For everyone, though, it will be educational regardless of whether one served in the military. Speakers are planned at the five-day event, with military conflicts from World War II to the present highlighted.
Post 24 has launched an online crowdfunding campaign and plans to distribute letters throughout the community seeking support.
A public meeting is planned at the post, 2515 25th St. in Columbus, to discuss fundraising and volunteer opportunities. This is a good opportunity for residents to learn more and get involved.
The traveling Vietnam Veterans wall memorial is a project worth donating to and visiting in the summer. Local veterans deserve the opportunity to see the wall in person, and everyone can benefit by learning more about a significant event and time in American history.
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Donations to bring a traveling Vietnam Veterans wall exhibit to Bartholomew County can be made by mailing a check to American Legion Post 24, 2515 25th St., Columbus. Checks being made out to American Legion Moving Wall Fund.
An online crowdfunding website has also been established at youcaring.com, which can be found by searching “Support the 2017 Moving Wall Memorial in Columbus, Indiana.”
Campaign goal is $63,875.
Information: Post commander Al McKown at 812-447-1000 or finance officer Dempsey Ferguson 812-371-5291. The post can also be reached at 812-376-7036.
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