Vietnam Memorial Wall coming to Carteret
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) Vietnam Memorial Wall will be visiting Carteret. The four-day exhibit will be open for display around the clock at Carteret Park from April 28 at 3 p.m. to May 1 at 3 p.m.
The AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall is an 80 percent replica size of the original monument in Washington, D.C. Across its 360-foot length, the wall bears the names of all 58,307 U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The wall stands 8 feet tall at its apex.
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An honor escort is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. Riders from several veteran organizations will escort the wall from iPort-12 around town and then to Soldiers and Sailors Memorial in Carteret Park.
The exhibit will commence with an opening ceremony on Thursday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. Following the ceremony, the wall will be available for viewing 24 hours a day through Sunday, May 1, at 3 pm.
A Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Ceremony will take place Saturday, April 30, starting at 3 p.m. and will feature a daylong tribute of activities. A special performance by the elite Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon will dazzle the audience with their intricate drill routine and unparalleled precision, including articulate rifle spins and exchanges.
A candlelight vigil will be held at 8 p.m. to remember those who sacrificed their lives and to honor those who fought in the Vietnam War. All military veterans and U.S. military service personnel and their families are encouraged to participate in the ceremony.
“The traveling memorial stands as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made in defense of our shared values,” said Mayor Dan Reiman. “Hosting this event is our way of saying, ‘We remember your sacrifice and thank you for your service.’ I’m sure this event will bring a record number of participants.”
The AVTT is a nongovernment-affiliated organization, committed to travel the U.S. to honor and remember those who served, and pay tribute to those who gave all in service. Built in early 1998, the wall is the largest replica wall traveling the U.S. It provides those who are not able to visit the memorial in Washington with the opportunity to honor and pay tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War.
“The Vietnam Veterans War Memorial is a testament to honor and recognize 58,307 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Vinnie Bellino, council president and Vietnam-era veteran. “The Traveling Wall is a reminder as it travels from town to town to remind people of the sacrifice our men and women gave during the Vietnam War. Having the wall come to Carteret will give people the opportunity to share this visual experience and pay their respects in honoring our heroes.”
The wall is expected to attract thousands of attendees, including a host of veteran organizations, public officials from the county and state, civic and community groups from throughout the area, as well as many supporters and friends of the U.S. military.
As on-site parking is limited, residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize the shuttle stations that will be available for transportation to Carteret Park at Carteret Public Library, 100 Cooke Ave., and Carteret VFW Post 2314, 289 Pershing Ave. Shuttles will run from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 30, and are ADA accessible.