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196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
JEFFERSON, OHIO — The cold, wet pavement of a parking lot here is all that welcomed the nearly 30 residents, veterans and local government officials who took shelter in a vacant office building on gloomy day May 12.
They gathered to remember loved ones at the American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute - a 370-foot long, 8-foot high traveling replica of the Vietnam War Memorial, also known simply as “The Wall.”
The memorial, a 4/5 scale of its Washington, D.C. counterpart, will have constant visibility as it travels to communities throughout the country to serve as a reminder of the dedication of America's fallen veterans.
Because of its size, the memorial requires an immense piece of flat ground where it can be assembled.
"We're the perfect location,” said Linda Clemans, marketing director for Homework’s, a shopping center developer and one of 50 businesses who sponsored the visit.
Planning for the Jeffersonville visit started last July, and both corporate and individual donors funded the project, Clemans said.
"Everyone just stepped up," she said.
"There are names of so many great Americans," said Dale Bishop, a
Vietnam Veteran.
Like its Washington D.C. counterpart, fifty-eight thousand names are
inscribed on the wall.
"The response has been overwhelming," said Clemans, referring to the organizations and individuals who volunteered.
Several volunteers were on hand to help those who wished to honor loved ones.
"I think we should do everything we can to remember our veterans," said Ronnie Sword of the Fayette Count Veteran Service.
He challenged all in attendance to not let the opportunity to remember our veterans pass them by.
"I can't think of a better way to go into Memorial Day," said a choked-up Jeffersonville Mayor, David Krupia, as he addressed the crowd during the opening ceremony.
Those who don't make it to Jeffersonville to see the Traveling Wall need not fear. It will continue its nationwide journey to bring remembrance of the ones we lost and a reminder of the freedom they lived and died for.
For a schedule of host cities and for more information, visit American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute online at www.avtt.org.