The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall exhibit has arrived in Columbus for a five-day stay.
Visitors get their first look at the Moving Wall at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds @therepublicnews pic.twitter.com/6WgYlcB9fR
— Matthew Kent (@mskent5) July 27, 2017
Wall is coming along on the first half @therepublicnews pic.twitter.com/qOnrbn2bkA
— Matthew Kent (@mskent5) July 27, 2017
The Moving Wall is a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. There will be no charge to see the Moving Wall, which will be on display 24 hours a day, although free-will donations will be accepted.
Volunteers waiting in line to transport panels @therepublicnews pic.twitter.com/vQzT0z7xTA
— Matthew Kent (@mskent5) July 27, 2017
The American Legion in Columbus launched a campaign in December to raise nearly $64,000 to bring the exhibit to Bartholomew County, but the post is still seeking $12,000 to meet its goal. Donations will be accepted throughout the five-day local display, which was last in Columbus at the Columbus Municipal Airport in 2002.
Here's what's been constructed so far @therepublicnews pic.twitter.com/AuhjeTMcwZ
— Matthew Kent (@mskent5) July 27, 2017
The exhibit is expected to open to the public between noon and 1 p.m. today. A 6 p.m. opening ceremony will be conducted this evening.
Volunteer Becky Pheral says she considers it an honor to help out with project at fairgrounds @therepublicnews
— Matthew Kent (@mskent5) July 27, 2017
Here’s the schedule —
Where: Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds, 750 W. County Road 200 S, Columbus
Admission: Free, with donations being accepted
When: Today through 10 a.m. July 31, open 24 hours a day, with special programs as follows.
6 p.m. Thursday: Special music by Southern Indiana Pipes & Drums, national anthem by Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Ensemble, remarks by Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop, benediction by retired minister Ed Boone, three-volley salute and taps by American Legion Post 24 color guard.
Noon Friday: Special music by Southern Indiana Pipes & Drums, national anthem by Rich Coffey, invocation by Brian Graves of Garden City Christian Church, remarks by Brig. Gen. Ronald A. Westfall, taps by Caleb Bray.
6 p.m. Friday: Special music by Southern Indiana Pipes & Drums, national anthem by Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Ensemble, remarks by Lt. Col. Cathleen A. Van Bree, benediction by military chaplain Reeves Flint, taps by American Legion Post 24 color guard.
Noon Saturday: Special music by Southern Indiana Pipes & Drums, national anthem by John Tasca, invocation by John Marquis of Central Heights Church of God, remarks by Col. Roger D. Peterman (retired), taps by Caleb Bray.
6 p.m. Saturday: Special music by Southern Indiana Pipes & Drums, national anthem by Rich Coffey, remarks by Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger (retired), benediction by John Sichting of New Hope Baptist Church, taps by Caleb Bray.
Noon July 30: Special music by Southern Indiana Pipes & Drums, national anthem by Rich Coffey, invocation by retired minister Jerry Curry, remarks by Lt. Col. Kenny Freeman (retired), taps by Caleb Bray.
6 p.m. July 30: Special music by Southern Indiana Pipes & Drums, national anthem by Rich Coffey, remarks by Staff Sgt. Michael Thompson, benediction by Dan Cash of First Baptist Church, three-volley salute and taps by American Legion Post 24 color guard.
Setup will take about 2.5 hours, according to Kim Chen, who travels the country with exhibit @therepublicnews
— Matthew Kent (@mskent5) July 27, 2017
