Respect for veterans and service continues this week with the return of the Vietnam Moving Wall. The Memorial will stop at the Medway VFW from Thursday May 30 through Monday June 3. Medway was the first location in the United States to have a Memorial for Vietnam Veterans.
The Vietnam Moving Wall Memorial is exactly the same as the one in Washington DC except it’s half the size, about 252 feet long. The 58,282 names are in the same place as the original; 10 names were added this week.
Rubbings will be allowed at the Vietnam Moving Wall, paper and carpenter pencils will be available. Volunteers will be able to assist you in finding a name if needed.
Submitted by Joe McMahon, Upton VFW Post 5594 Commander, and Vietnam Veteran
Last night, Upton VFW’s Sr. Vice and Past Commander, Peggy Laneri, and Pt Chaplain (67 yrs as such) Doug Kenniston and I had the privilege of attending the opening ceremony of “The Moving Wall’s” visit to the town of Medway. I am indebted to Steve Bradford for taking the trouble to make sure we had the opportunity. I am indebted to the Medway VFW Post members for making that happen and I am indebted to the Town of Medway for their embrace and support of such a Noble but daunting task.
I have been to the Wall in Washington DC on more than one occasion and felt the overwhelming message that cannot be denied as you stand before that structure. But Doug had never been there and THATS what the Moving Wall does best. It brings a compelling message to people who never stood before that edifice and observed the personal tribute to each individual by name who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Wall will be there until June 3rd at noon. I humbly suggest we find our friends, family and neighbors who have never made the journey to Washington DC and do our best to assure they have the chance now available to stand before this tribute to American valor and feel what I have felt when I stand before it.
The Medway Veterans of Foreign War Post 1526 is located at 123 Holliston Street in Medway. Parking is available at the Post. There will be overflow parking available at the McGovern School at 9 Lovering Street and St. Joseph’s Parish on Holliston Street with shuttle service to the VFW. The Moving Wall is open for 24 hours and will close on June 3 at noon. A closing ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The Vietnam Moving Wall Committee encourages visitors to bring water to the event. No pets are allowed (except service animanls). No Smoking is permitted. Cell phones must be on silent while attending the event.
UPTON DAILY 