Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall coming to Springfield

The "Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall" is coming to Springfield in July. Co-Sponsors of this exhibit are the Springfield VFW and Vietnam Veterans Association of Chester.
http://www.vermontjournal.com/content/vietnam-veterans-moving-wall-coming-springfield-vt

Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall Coming To Springfield, VT
Submitted by VT Journal on Wed, 03/28/2012 - 9:29am
Chairman Ronald Walker of "The Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall" committee is overwhelmed by a recent donation of $500 made to him to bring this fine exhibit to Springfield in July. Pictured (l to r) are former Marine and Elk member Michael Tennis, Ronald Walker former Marine and Vietnam Veteran 1966/1967, Elks Exalted Ruler Andrew Murdock and Christopher Tufts, Exalted Ruler Elect for 2012/2013.



SPRINGFIELD, VT -The "Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall" is coming to Springfield, Vt., on July 12 thru July 16, 2012 at the Riverside Middle School's Brown Football Field. Co-Sponsors of this exhibit are the Springfield VFW and Vietnam Veterans Association of Chester, Vt.
"The Moving Wall" the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial was developed by Vietnam veteran, John Devitt. After viewing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC., Devitt felt compelled to build "The Moving Wall" with the aid of Norris Shears, Gerry Haver and other Vietnam veterans so others could experience the power of the exhibit. The Moving Wall memorial went on display in 1984 for the first time and has been touring the country for more than 20 years. The Moving Wall has enabled those not able to travel to Washington DC to see the Memorial to view and experience the power of The Moving Wall on a more regional basis. Anyone who has had the opportunity to visit the permanent exhibit in Washington, DC can attest to the emotional impact this exhibit has for everyone.
The Moving Wall will be displayed at Brown Football field at Riverside Park, Springfield, VT on a 24 hour basis from July 12 to July 16. Coordinator for the Moving Wall, Ronald Walker, remarks that this is a huge undertaking requiring the assistance of local organizations and volunteers to assist with not only the construction of the exhibit, but manning the exhibit 24/7, landscaping the site and assisting with raising the necessary funds required to cover the costs associated with this project. The cost of this project is expected to be $8000. Upon arrival, Mr. Walker is looking for many volunteers to help set up the exhibit and man it 24/7.
Springfield is honored to be able to host The Moving Wall and give people from far and near the opportunity to see the memorial. This moving exhibit offers Veterans and families the opportunity to view the names of their loved ones and to express their thanks for the sacrifices of these men and women. When one thinks about it, two to three million people visit the Wall every year in Washington. There are ten or twenty times that many people, who, for whatever reason, will never be able to make the trip to Washington.
Springfield Elks Lodge #1560 recently donated $500 towards "The Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall" that is coming to Springfield, VT, in July. Chairman Ron Walker was most appreciative of the Elks' donation and is hoping many more organizations step up and help out the Co-sponsors of this wonderful event that is coming to Springfield in July.
The next meeting of The Moving Wall Committee will be held April 19 at the Springfield VFW at 7 p.m. Mr. Walker is really concerned about two matters. First the funding and then the 24/7 manning of The Moving Wall. By that, he means, there has to be someone manning The Moving Wall all night long, 24/7 while The Moving Wall is in Springfield. He wants volunteers to call him if you can be of assistance. Call Ron Walker at 1-802-263-9472. Send any and all donations to Ron Walker, 870 Baltimore Road,

Baltimore, Vt., 05143. His email address is rkw48@earthlink.net.