The Moving Wall Vietnam Memorial Comes to Sam Hicks Monument Park
For anyone who lived through the Vietnam War, the emotional effects can still be debilitating, even decades later. Those who have not had a chance to visit the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. will now have an opportunity to visit the next best thing to the actual landmark when The Moving Wall comes to Temecula this week.
The Moving Wall is sponsored by Manzanita Ranch, a local charitable organization that offers interactive experiences on a working horse ranch as a form of therapy for war veterans, cancer patients, and at-risk youth.
“I am a Vietnam-era veteran and I have been to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C., and have attended a display of The Moving Wall,” Johnny Roberts of Manzanita Ranch said. “It is a very amazing experience, especially for my generation. We were all affected, whether we actually served in Vietnam or not and, for those who went to Vietnam, it is said to be the most healing experience of their lives.”
First erected in 1984 by veterans looking for a way to share the experience of the Washington D.C. Vietnam Memorial, The Moving Wall is a half-scale replica created to travel the country, providing a chance for more Americans to pay respects to those who lost their lives fighting for their country.
The Moving Wall will be on display 24 hours a day from October 9th through the 13th at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town, near the Temecula Museum.
Several additional events are scheduled in conjunction with The Moving Wall’s appearance in the area, including an opening ceremony on Thursday, October 9th at noon. A reading of the names will begin at this event; which will continue throughout the week.
Events and after-parties continue throughout the wall’s time in Temecula including a BBQ and live entertainment at Storm Stadium, a motorcycle group ride, a fun run and a hot rod car show.
Closing ceremonies will take place at the park on October 13th at 7:00 pm, where the reading of names will conclude.
Whether you choose to participate in any of the number of events throughout the week or would just like to come and give your condolences, a visit to The Moving Wall Vietnam War Memorial is the perfect opportunity to pay respects to our troops.
“Our community is rich with veterans and military families and it is very appropriate that we host a display of The Moving Wall,” Roberts said. “The Manzanita Ranch is dedicated to working to heal the emotional injuries of war and it felt like a project we should do.”
For more information, as well as a schedule of special events, visit www.themovingwall2014.com.
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