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Mentone To Host Traveling Version Of Wall Memorial
Staff Report
MENTONE - The Wall That Heals, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C, will be at the Bell Aircraft Museum grounds Sept. 11 through 14.
The exhibition features the dramatic replica - stretching 250 feet in length - as well as an information center and traveling museum displaying memorabilia left at The Wall in the nation's capital. Special activities planned include a ribbon cutting at 8 a.m. Sept. 11, followed by a reading of names. Opening ceremonies are at noon. A day of remembrance is Sept. 13 beginning at 2 p.m., with closing ceremonies Sept. 14 at 3 p.m.
"It is with respect and honor for our community to be honoring so many who gave their lives for us," said Orabelle Meredith, event leader.
The chevron-shaped model is complete with the more than 58,000 names of those killed or missing in action during the Vietnam War. Regionally, 59 men lost their lives during the conflict.
The replica is constructed of powder-coated aluminum, supported by an aluminum frame and made up of 24 individual panels, each containing six columns of names.
The names are listed alphabetically by day of casualty. Beginning at the center/apex, the names start on the East Wall (right-hand side) working their way out of the end of that wing, picking up again at the far end of the West Wall (left-hand side) and working their way back in to the center.
The Wall That Heals exhibition is organized by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the organization charged with preserving the wall and its legacy.
Current national sponsors of the tour include the Target Corp., Disabled American Veterans and the Harley-Davidson Foundation. Local sponsors include the Mentone Chamber of Commerce which has paid for the Wall's transportation costs.
The exhibit is open 24 hours a day beginning at 8 a.m. Sept. 11. The museum is on Ind. 25, on the west side of town and will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. while the exhibit is in place.
For more information call Orabelle Meredith 353-7531 or 353-7172.
