Armed Forces Day for wounded warriors celebrated in Cen-Tex
EMAIL PRINT SHARE
By Heather Graham, Sentinel News Editor
MAY 20, 2010 | LIVING
Former medic Tim Bredberg kneels in front of a Soldier’s tribute with his son Peyton at Lake Travis High School during the Armed Forces Day ceremony. Heather Graham, Sentinel News Editor
Vietnam veterans wearing era-appropriate uniforms stand in front of the AVTT Price of Freedom’s Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall May 12 in Lakeway. Heather Graham, Sentinel News Editor
Armed Forces Day included tributes to veterans from all U.S. conflicts. Heather Graham, Sentinel News Editor
LAKEWAY – Lakeway, a small community of about 9,000 residents that sits just west of Austin, loves servicemembers. To mark Armed Forces Day last weekend, the residents of Lakeway feted five servicemembers who were wounded during their service in Iraq. The four Soldiers and one Marine stayed at the Lakeway Resort and Spa, were honored at Lake Travis High School as well as at a private party and participated in a fishing tournament.
James Wilson, a former sergeant with the 1st Cavalry Division, was floored by the support he saw for the military.
Wilson deployed to Iraq two weeks after he got to his 1st Cavalry Division unit in 2004. He was wounded on June 6 but returned to duty until his truck caught fire Sept. 28 and he was medically evacuated home to recover from his burns.
Wilson has attended several wounded warrior events and said they are therapeutic for him.
“I get some camaraderie back,” he said. “It’s great to get away from my ordinary life for a while.”
Former 10th Mountain Division medic Tim Bredberg, who was wounded in Iraq in 2004, came to Lakeway with his wife Stacey and son Peyton for the weekend and did not want to go home.
“It was amazing and relaxing,” Tim said. “It was almost a mistake to come here because I realize how much I don’t want to be in New York.”
The couple is hoping to move to Texas, a decision they reached after attending several wounded warrior events.
“Texas is the most patriotic state I’ve been in,” Stacey said.
The families shared stories and experiences and got a little friendly competition with a fishing tournament on Sunday. During the tournament, wounded veterans were paired with professional fisherman, including retired Fort Hood Chaplain Bill Shellnut and Chief Warrant Officer Carl Fox, who returned a few weeks ago from his latest deployment to Iraq.
Wilson said his favorite type of event includes outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.
“That’s therapeutic for me,” Wilson said.
The weekend closed out a weeklong observance which centered around the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Price of Freedom monument, a series of displays that include a 3/4-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, a global war on terror wall, a tribute to those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and a memorial to those killed at Fort Hood on Nov. 5, as well as other memorials to World War II and Korea veterans, which was set up at Lake Travis High School and visited by area students.
The weekend closed with a ceremony that included Stolen Valor author B.G. Burkett and performances by Heather Wiley and Granger Smith. On Sunday, five members of 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav. Div., attended to show their support. Many of the group deployed with their former battalion commander, Lt. Col. Tim Karcher, who lost both of his legs in an attack last June, a tough blow for the unit.
“If it could happen to him, it could happen to any of us,” Spc. Nicolai Coombs said.
The weekend was not only to pay tribute to fallen and wounded troops, but to teach others about the price of freedom.
It all started at a city council meeting last fall when former Navy Capt. Mike Boston and others mulled ways to honor troops and educate children about the price of freedom.
Stacey was touched by how the community not only thanked and honored the troops, but included their families as well.
“These are good people,” she said. “They show so much appreciation not just to the wounded, but to their families and children, and active-duty and veterans.”
Although observed throughout the world, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May in the U.S. The day marks the end of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May and was created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches following the consolidation of the military services under the Department of Defense. The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy established Armed Forces Day as an official holiday.
“Honor them, thank them, support them,” Burkett told the crowd on Sunday.
LAKE HAVASU CITY PATRIOT DAYS - SEPTEMBER 15 - 25, 2010
Greg Tryon, Executive Director-Lake Havasu Hospitality Association and Don Allen, American Veterans Traveling Tribute
September 15th Begins 10 days of events paying tribute to and honoring veterans who have made it possible to live free.
Greg Tryon, Executive Director, Lake Havasu City Hospitality and Don Allen, American Veterans Traveling Tribute will partner with Operation Gratitude, a non-profit that sends care packages to soldiers.
Expected Patriot Day Events will include a fireworks display each night of the event, an air show, entertainment acts, custom car shows, pineapple boat races, a BMX competition, golf tournaments Art Walk, a Native American Day and more. Event organizers are looking for the oldest living male and female veterans living in Lake Havasu to become Patriot Days' designated honorees.
Traveling Wall to visit Ennis May 5
By CAROL GREY HONZA Special to the Daily Light
Published: Friday, April 30, 2010 2:31 PM CDT
ENNIS – The local planning committee to bring the Vietnam Wall and American Veterans Traveling Tribute to Ennis met April 20, with a presentation about how more than 100 American Legion and Patriot Guard Riders will participate in the event.
The unit will include representatives from as far as Colorado and New Mexico, spokesman Bob Roberts said, saying, “We will have the honor of providing an escort for the Vietnam Wall and American Veterans Traveling Tribute on its journey from the American Legion Post 12 in Tyler, Texas, to Ennis on May 5, 2010. Other area riders will also join the caravan at the Sokol Center approximately two miles east of Ennis on (State) Highway 34 for the final staging area before entering Ennis at approximately 4:30 p.m.
“Kick stands will go up at 5 p.m. to be in downtown Ennis at approximately 5:15 p.m.,” he said. “The wall caravan will have various law enforcement and police escorts during the trip from Tyler to and through Ennis, to its assembly site located at 2301 Ennis Parkway.”
Leading the way for the Wall and Displays of Honor from the Sokol Hall in Ennis will be the Veteran’s Tribute Motorcycle, with rider Gary Towers of Granbury, Texas. The motorcycle, which is known as “Joe” after G.I. Joe, represents Vietnam veteran Tower’s long time dream to build a bike in tribute to American veterans.
Towers purchased the FLHTPI Ultra-Glide Police Special in 2004. The award-winning motorcycle’s many details represent every war and conflict where American military personnel have been involved.
“It truly becomes an emotional experience to those who know exactly what ‘Joe’ represents,” Roberts said. “Many people attend chopper and bike shows, but they will not receive the honor that ‘Joe’ can bring to each of them – a sharing of the heart and soul of our veterans past and present – to see their legacy pass on through the murals. … This is a true gift of patriotism from Gary and Brenda Towers.” The Veterans Tribute Motorcycle will be in Ennis the week of the Veterans Traveling Tribute, May 5-8 and will be located for viewing either at the Wall site on Ennis Parkway or at the American Legion Post 361 on Rumbo Road in Ennis.
‘Joe’ to lead honor guard riders in veterans celebration
Carol Grey Honza, Special to the EDN
04-30-2010
A group of more than 100 American Legion and Patriot Guard riders will escort the Vietnam Wall and American Veterans Traveling Tribute from Tyler to Ennis on Wednesday, and a special guest will lead the procession once it reaches Sokol Hall.
The Veteran’s Tribute Motorcycle, with rider Gary Towers of Granbury, will join the procession at that point, as will a number of other area riders who are scheduled to meet up with the caravan at Sokol.
The Veteran’s Tribute Motorcycle, named Joe, was borne from an idea for a cycle that has been a long time dream of Towers, who is a Vietnam veteran. He says his dream became an obsession of the heart — to build a bike in tribute to American veterans.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute
| American Veterans Traveling Tribute |
| |
| April 29th, 2010 |
Ennis - American Veterans Traveling Tribute (Memorial Veterans Wall) Caravan arrives at Sokol Hall approx 4:30 PM. Hundreds of American Legion and Patriot Guard Ridersserving as Honor Guards meet additional area Riders at Sokol. American Veterans Tribute Motorcycle, leads Wall procession through downtown Ennis starting at 5:15 PM going to Wall assembly site: 2301 Ennis Parkway (the old Intermediate School location.) The public is invited to welcome the honor Caravan through Ennis!
Thursday - Sunday May 6,- 9
American Veterans Traveling Tribute (Wall Site)
2301 Ennis Parkway - (Behind Don Jose's Restaurant) Thursday, begins the 4 days of memorial ceremonies and programs at the Wall site highlighted by large Patriotic Parade Saturday at 10 a.m. Thursday's Opening Starts at 2:00 p.m. Each day numerous programs and ceremonies. Sunday - an all denomination Worship Service starting 1:00 p.m. Closing Ceremony at 7 p.m. ends with Ride of Honor featuring Patriot Guard and area riders.
Saturday May 8
Ennis' first Patriotic Parade - Welcome Home - Ennis Honors Her Heroes 10:00 a.m, in Downtown Ennis - To honor the heroes who fought and died in all wars and conflicts for our freedom. Over 50 parade entries. Come join the fun! The parade will be followed by ceremonies and programs all day at the Wall site.
Veterans tribute coming to LTHS, May 12-16
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 | Charles McClure
Mike Boston was frustrated. The Lakeway Heritage Center archivist had welcomed a group of Boy Scouts to the historical nerve center of the community.
As he showed the scouts around the heritage center, he pointed to a poster the troop had signed commemorating the 9-11 tragedy. “So who can tell me what this is all about?” Boston asked.
But not a peep came from the scouts, only blank faces stared in his direction.
“None of the scouts responded — not one,” Boston, a retired Navy Captain, lamented.
For Boston, who grew up in the shadow of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the silence was a wake up call.
“When I was growing up, every kid knew what had happened at Pearl Harbor,” he said.
He pondered how could this happen. How was it that any American child could not know what took place just a few years earlier — a tragedy that redefined a nation and ignited a world wide war on terrorism.
Time passed, but the Vietnam veteran continued to contemplate the issue. Boston began discussing what had happened with friends in the community — particularly with his fellow veterans.
For a time, he mulled bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall, a scaled down replica of the famed Vietnam Veterans Memorial — affectionately called “The Wall,” located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The memorial bears the names of the 58,205 soldiers that were killed or remain missing in action from the war.
But there is a long waiting list for the Moving Wall, and Boston wanted something that would encompass a broader spectrum of American history. And that’s when he discovered the American Veterans Traveling Tribute’s (AVTT) Price of Freedom Monument.
What makes the AVTT unique is that it has multiple displays representing statistics from every war/conflict that the U.S. has been involved in. Of course, it takes money to bring a memorial to any community, but Boston found help in the form of the Lakeway Civic Corporation (LCC), a non-profit organization that assists community needs with grants.
By the Fall of 2009, with LCC making a generous grant, Boston had found mountains of support on the South shores of Lake Travis. Utilizing all the years of experience he had amassed as an officer in the Navy, he cofounded the Price of Freedom Committee to prepare for the upcoming exhibit.
The months of work have paid off and now the Price of Freedom is coming to the Lake Travis High School football field from May 12-16.
Boston has found allies everywhere — including the Lake Travis Independent School District, which has designed a curriculum especially for the monument.
Dr. Diane Frost, the deputy superintendent at LTISD, said the Price of Freedom Monument offered a unique opportunity for a hands-on American history lesson.
“When we knew the monument was coming to Lake Travis High School, we wanted it to be more than just an event — we wanted to tailor a curriculum that could benefit our students,” Frost said. “This is a singular opportunity for our students.”
An estimated 3,000 students will visit the venue.
“The exhibit essentially pays tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the liberties and freedoms enjoyed by Americans since the American Revolution, up to and including the Global War on Terror,” Boston said. “The exhibit will be open to the public 24-hours a day, with special events planned for Saturday and Sunday.
Groups from any and all local public and private schools are strongly encouraged to attend.”
While the major sponsor of the exhibit is the Lakeway Civic Corporation, Boston points out that other contributions have been made by Weed-Corley-Fish, American Airlines, America’s Huey 091 Foundation, and Lochow Ranch.
“No less important are other cash donations by local families, and the in-kind contributions and percentage of sales donations by local businesses such as the Chicken Express, Chick-Fil-A, Hill Country Spring Water, The Summit of Lakeway, Mangieri’s Pizza, Mimi’s Café, the Donut Hole, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Papa John’s Pizza, the Point of Origin, and Dog-A-Dillo,” Boston said.
The exhibit can be viewed on www.avtt.org, and the schedule of events and other information about the Lakeway exhibit can be viewed on www.thepriceoffreedomlaketravis.org.
In His Honor
Memories of Vietnam veteran from Selma remain strong as his memorial prepares to add his name
The American Veterans Traveling Tribune Wall is on display at Riverside Park near downtown Grants Pass. Mail Tribune Photo / Jamie Lusch
Jamie Lusch
April 22, 2010
By Paul Fattig
Mail Tribune
The Vietnam War may have ended in 1975 but it killed Marine Corps veteran John Granville three years ago this Monday.
The name of the Selma resident, who died April 26, 2007, at 58, will be inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day along with four others whose wounds in that war contributed to their deaths.
Lance Cpl. Granville lost both legs after stepping on a land mine a few miles south of Danang on June 12, 1968.
"Because of his amputations, he ended up with heart disease," explained his widow, Chris Granville. "The VA decided he died because of his wounds in Vietnam. There is a direct link to his wounds."
Chris, his wife for nearly 29 years upon his death, said she began working with the U.S. Department of Defense two years ago to get his name etched on the granite wall along with others he knew from Vietnam. She and other family members will be at the ceremony on Memorial Day.
"Vietnam killed John — it just took him until 2007 to die," said former Marine Corps Sgt. Wayne Owen, 65, of Grants Pass, owner of the Wayne Owen Fighting Arts school where Granville earned a black belt in judo in the early 1990s.
"He was an inspiration to all of us," he added. "Everybody complains, but after you saw John out there working out, you quit complaining. He had a great attitude. Nobody who met him ever forgot him."
Medford resident John Waldrop, 62, a former Marine who lost both of his legs below the knees in Vietnam on June 20, 1969, agreed that their friend's 1968 wounds led to his death, citing the long-term health problems those with similar wounds encounter.
"He was a good guy," Waldrop said, noting he admired him for his mental toughness.
Like Granville, Waldrop was awarded two Purple Heart medals. Both were wounded in action in the same area in Vietnam, albeit a year apart.
And, like Granville, Waldrop refused to let his injuries keep him down. After being discharged, the avid golfer worked in an open pit coal mine in Wyoming and as a mechanic before retiring.
"But to be honest with you, I didn't know how he could do it, wearing his shoes backwards and having people stare at him," Waldrop acknowledged. "I get a little emotional when people stare at me."
Granville, who had one leg missing at the knee and the other just above the knee, overcame a challenge to walk by putting his artificial feet on backwards. Placing them in the normal forward position didn't work, he said in an interview with the Mail Tribune in 2004.
"My limbmaker and I came up with this," he said. "It helps tip the hips back so you can go forward."
Friends and family members will tell you he always went forward, becoming a black belt in judo in 1994 as well as an instructor, working as a training officer for the Rogue Valley Young Marines and firing rounds as part of the honor guard at the Eagle Point National Cemetery.
"The first time I went to his house, he was on the kitchen counter sanding away, redoing his kitchen," recalled Vietnam War veteran Jim Hale, 71, of Grants Pass, who retired from the Corps after 20 years, rising through the enlisted ranks to become a first lieutenant in what was known as a "mustang." Hale, the commandant of the Rogue Valley detachment of the Marine Corps League, gave the eulogy at his friend's funeral.
Granville may have been shortened physically by his wounds, but he stood tall to those who knew him, Hale indicated in an interview Wednesday.
Hale, who is personally familiar with several names on the wall, said it is appropriate his friend's name be inscribed on the memorial.
"He told me before he passed that he would do it all over again, including lose his legs," Hale said. "He was very proud of the Corps, of his service. He was a proud man. There are a lot of us who could take a lesson from him how he lived his life."
JoAnna Gavlik, 29, one of the Granvilles' two daughters, said their father demonstrated by his actions that life was to be lived fully.
"He had a real zest for life, always busy doing something," she said. "He never slowed down. He was definitely an inspiration for us."
In fact, her brother, J.J. Granville, is now a corporal in the Marines who has served one tour in Iraq.
In the 2004 interview, John Granville credited his religious faith for his survival. "My cup still runs over," he said, referring to his family.
Chris Granville, who met her future husband at the VA hospital in Portland where she was working as an X-ray technician, said he didn't start out with the intention of inspiring others.
"He never believed he could inspire people," she said. "But he showed that you can continue to do things in life, that a disability doesn't have to make a difference."
Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at pfattig@mailtribune.com.
Lakeway council welcomes vets tribute with proclamation
Thursday, April 22, 2010 | Devin Monk
The Lakeway City Council saluted the American Veterans Traveling Tribute set for May 12-17 at the Lake Travis High School football field.
The city passed a proclamation recognizing the upcoming event.
Lakeway archivist and Price of Freedom committee chair Mike Boston thanked the city for its endorsement. Boston also recognized Lake Travis ISD and City of Bee Cave as contributors to the effort to bring the traveling display to Lake Travis.
The tribute features the Traveling Vietnam Wall, an 80 percent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The wall is more than 380 feet long from end to end and contains all 58,253 names. The displays also present statistics from every war and conflict that the USA has been involved in, a series of World War II panels portraying the entire timeline of events and a Korean War tribute representing the timeline of the entire conflict with corresponding battle maps and photos. It also includes a timeline, series of facts and figures, and a display of art from Vietnam veteran artists depicting patriotic and veteran themes, in addition to a display of U.S. founding and significant historical documents including the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and other historical documents.
Other displays memorialize the casualties at the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, the names of all 2,984 casualties of 9-11 organized by where they were located at the time of death and the AVTT Gold Dog Tag display, which honors those who have fallen and to which there is not currently a memorial for their honor and remembrance.
Boston expressly thanked the Lakeway Civic Corp. for its support.
“I cannot thank the Lakeway Civic Corp. enough for being a major sponsor for this event,” he said, adding that the tribute relies solely on volunteers and donations.
Following his statements, Mayor Dave DeOme proclaimed the week of May 10 as Price of Freedom Week in Lakeway.
Lakeway proclaims week of May 10 as "Price of Freedom" week
By Tiffany Young
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
LAKEWAY — Lakeway Mayor Dave DeOme proclaimed the week of May 10 as “Price of Freedom” week at the April 19 city council meeting.
Mike Boston, a resident of Lakeway and co-chair of the Price of Freedom event, has been working to bring the American Veterans Traveling Tribute to Lakeway for about two years. The Cost of Freedom Tribute, an 80 percent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be on display May 12 to 16 with opening and closing ceremonies to honor and remember veterans.
The Lake Travis Independent School District has scheduled more than 3,000 students to visit the tribute throughout the week.
Boston said the school system’s support is important and one of the reasons they are bringing the tribute to Lakeway.
“I can think back on my childhood years, and the educational system doesn’t address what the cost of freedom is really all about. They can’t get to the heart of the sacrifice,” Boston said.
He said that he’d never forget the day he took his then six-year-old grandson to see the exhibit.
“The innocence of a six year old looking at that is forever embedded in my mind. He said to me, ‘Grandpa, that many people died in the Vietnam War?’” Boston said. “I think when the young people visit, they’ll be able to reflect not only the Vietnam aspect, but all the way back to the Revolutionary War.”
While there are more than 150 volunteers and numerous individual and business sponsors, and endorsements from community and city organizations, event coordinators are still looking for donations and on-site guards throughout the event. Visit www.thepriceoffreedomlaketravis.com for more information on the event or to find out more about getting involved.
Schedule of events
Opening ceremonies Saturday, May 15 Program starts at 10 a.m.
- Lakeway Sing-Along Choir Ensemble
- USAF F16 fighters fly-over
- University of Texas Football Coach Ken Rucker
- USAF Band of the West-Gateway Brass
- Dottie’s Follies Dancing Ensemble
- Texas Association of Vietnam Veterans Firebase ceremony
6:30 p.m. Performance by Heather Wiley
7:30 p.m. Comments from B.G. “Jug” Burkett
7:45 p.m. Performance by Kira Small
8:42 p.m. “God Bless The USA” by LTMS Student Kalie Naftzger
8:45 p.m. Fireworks Display
8:50 p.m. Performance by Granger Smith
9:55 p.m. Lights Out
Patriots Swear in As US Citizens at American Heroes Celebration
Story by Staff Sgt. Daniel Griego
Date: 04.19.2010
Posted: 04.20.2010 01:24
"Patriotism is voluntary," said former Seaman and politician Jesse Ventura. "It is a feeling of loyalty and allegiance that is the result of knowledge and belief."
One could not find greater patriotism than from the servicemembers who valiantly serve a country of which they are not citizens. For 15 such veterans, that changed on Saturday, April 17 when the Honorable Lee Yeakel opened a special session of the US District Court to swear in these incomparable volunteers as US citizens.
The ceremony, held during Camp Mabry's 4th annual American Heroes Celebration, took place in front of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Traveling Wall. The wall, which is a precise replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., offered a somber and reverent setting for this significant occasion.
"I can think of no more appropriate place for this," said Retired Lt. Col. Donald R. Allen, CEO of the AVTT, who also served as the distinguished guest speaker for the event. "Our history has taught us that we were founded on the principle of freedom at any cost."
The newly immunized citizens came from 13 different countries, including Kenya, Mexico, Russia and Kazakhstan. Their services included the US Army, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. The troops, ranging in ages from 19 to 39, included four combat veterans and eight Texas residents.
Army Spc. Victor A. Becerra, who was born in Mexico and raised in California, deployed to Iraq twice before even becoming a citizen. A member of the 36th Infantry Division, he spent his second deployment to Iraq training their police force.
"What we were doing was overseeing the training of 6th Iraqi division," he said, "to make sure that their forces were properly trained so they could stand to protect the region that they were in charge of."
Becerra always felt close to the nation for which he's served for years.
"I've been an American since I first put on this uniform, ever since I started speaking the language," he said. "I feel just as proud to be a part of this country."
Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga, commander of the Texas Military Forces, presented each new citizen with his coin and congratulated them on their achievement.
"It took maybe six to eight months," said Becerra. "That included the studying for the exam for the interview. It's good to know how this country has developed when it was founded back in the 18th century."
"They were defending and protecting and fighting for a country that they weren't even a citizen of," said Allen. "That, my friend, is a true measure of patriotism, these are great patriots. We should be very proud that as a country, there are people that are willing to fight for us to become one of us."
Without a doubt, these brave servicemembers have worked and devoted themselves to the fulfillment of a life of service.
"I've always been an American at heart," said Becerra. "But I could say that today, it's official; I am an American."
Camp Mabry Muster Day celebration toughs out the weather
Heroes event draws crowds despite clouds, rain
By Joshunda Sanders
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 11:50 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 2010
Published: 8:56 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 2010
The overcast skies and brief downpours kept the helicopters from taking off as planned from Camp Mabry on Saturday during the American Heroes and Muster Day celebration, but the annual tradition of parades, demonstrations and war re-enactments went on anyway.
In the days before advanced technology, Muster Day was the annual counting of soldiers by the military. Now that there are more efficient ways of counting military forces, said Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada, a spokeswoman for Camp Mabry , the celebration has become more ceremonial.
"It's a way to recognize people in all kinds of uniforms, from the military, to police officers, because all of these people fight for others in some way," Moncada said.
She said Muster Day activities had been held at Camp Mabry since 1972, and while the mercurial skies kept some people away, she was optimistic that there would be as many visitors to the free event as in 2009, when 20,000 came.
The celebration began with an opening ceremony that included a parade of military members and a performance by the Austin Police Department's Pipe and Drum Corps.
Throughout Camp Mabry, there were reenactments of Civil War and World War II battles and demonstrations of everything from how Buffalo Soldiers lived and fought to search-and-rescue dogs.
The main activities also included pony rides for children, and there were a few food vendors selling kettle corn and ribbon fries.
In front of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute — a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington — U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel swore in 15 newly naturalized citizens who had signed up to serve in the military.
"Our country is very proud of all our men and women, and I think we should be very proud of those who want to fight for our country," said Don Allen, the chief executive officer of the tribute.
Col. Dan Harris, a member of the Texas National Guard who was attending the day's activities and stood in full uniform among his fellow soldiers in the rain, watched the judge declare the new service members United States citizens.
He said that watching the brief ceremony was one of the highlights of the 38-year-old tradition of Muster Day for him. It was more significant because he had just returned from Afghanistan with a unit in January, where he worked with the Texas Agribusiness Development Team helping people in the provinces there develop their own resources so they wouldn't seek help from the Taliban.
"It makes me really happy to see 13 soldiers who weren't even citizens and they still joined the military because they care that much," Harris said.
jsanders@statesman.com; 445-3630
Patriotism Without Politics
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
Steve DePolito's latest documentary is about the American Veterans Traveling Tribute's visit to Norwich last year. An 80% replica of the Vietnam Memorial, referred to as ‘the Wall,’ is the AVTT’s centerpiece.
by Roger Zotti
In Honor Respect Remember, filmmaker Steve DePolito, Preston, set out to have viewers “see a display of patriotism without politics and observe people gathering simply to honor the fallen, respect those who served and remember their service to our country.” Clearly, Steve accomplished his goal – for his film resonates with viewers long after it’s seen. “Its title is taken from the American Veterans Traveling Tribute’s website and could be considered the group’s mission statement,” Steve added.
The documentary – which Steve wrote, produced, and directed – is about the AVTT’s five day visit to Norwich, in June, last year. “The Norwich VFW, Post 594, sponsored the visit,” Steve said. “It coincided with Norwich’s 350th birthday celebration. An 80% replica of the Vietnam Memorial, referred to as ‘the Wall,’ is the AVTT’s centerpiece. There were other displays honoring the men and women who fought in America’s wars and also those lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.”
For Steve, the most challenging part of the project was “filming the five days pretty much on my own. What really helped was the additional video – which my wife Sherri filmed – of the parade from Montville to Norwich on the event’s first day, and also the still photos Dominic Cortese took at various times during the event.” Steve filmed close to five hours of video, he said, “to produce a 27 minute film. In Brewster’s Neck, my film about Norwich Hospital, I filmed 10 hours to make a 60 minute film. But that’s how it goes.”
It was impossible to make a film of this type, Steve explained, “without people making speeches – since speeches were a big part of the event. But I kept them to a minimum; and with the ones I used, I conveyed a sense of continuity.” The speakers “covered WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the present day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.” The only speech Steve didn’t edit was Robert Howard, Jr’s affecting remarks on the loss of his father 40 years ago in Vietnam.
Filmmaker Steve DePolito set out to have viewers “see a display of patriotism without politics and observe people gathering simply to honor the fallen.”
Documentarian Ken Burns is one of Steve’s influences. “Actually, it’s hard not to be influenced by him,” Steve said. Others influences are Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarrentino. “A technique I used in this and prior projects were sudden, dramatic transitions from one scene to another. If you’ve seen Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs, you know what I’m talking about – though my transitions aren’t as dramatic as the ones in those films.”
Steve continued, “The narration I scripted was nicely done by Johnny London, the ‘voice of Norwich’ for over 30 years.” Mark Wayne produced the narration. (Johnny and Mark also worked with Steve on the documentaries Brewster’s Neck and America’s Only Hope (which is about Johnny E. Kelley’s 1957 Boston Marathon victory.) The film will be screened on Norwich Comcast, April 21, at 4:00 pm, and April 23, 4:00 pm. Copies are now available at Otis Library, Norwich. Honor Respect Remember has been placed in the Norwich Time Capsule and will be opened in 2059.
Oceanside: Wall of Remembrance
Fred Zariczny has never seen the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., but his first encounter last year in Washington state with the traveling replica now on display at the El Corazon Senior Center in Oceanside was powerful enough.
"It broke my heart," said Zariczny, a veteran known as Pastor Z to those at Oceanside's Rushing Wind Ministries.
"It was then I knew we needed something like this for the people of Oceanside," he said.
The centerpiece of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute that opened yesterday is an 80 percent scale replica of the original.
It comprises 48 slabs of faux granite engraved with the approximately 58,250 names of the U.S. servicemen and 8 servicewomen who died in the decades-long Asian conflict that ended in 1975.
Nine 12-by-18-foot displays of the U.S. conflicts fought since Vietnam also are part of the tribute, which is free to the public.
"There are seven traveling memorials in the United States," said Zariczny, founder of Bikers for Christ International. "We paid to bring in the largest tribute in the U.S. to Oceanside. My hope is that this memorial will bring some healing and hope to the city."
With the help of volunteers, and donations from the community, church organizations and local businesses, the tribute came to town after a year of planning and preparation.
"(An anonymous veteran) donated $15,000 to bring this event to Oceanside," Rosemarie Morris, a member of Rushing Wind Ministries, said.
For Steve Doty, president of the Texas-based traveling tribute and a U.S. Air Force veteran, the passion to share the wall with thousands across the nation is a labor of love.
"This is not a source of income," Doty said. "This is a mission and a passion for us."
Doty travels with the wall throughout the year with his friend and tribute co-founder, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Don Allen.
The tribute is on the road from late February through November, with the final stop on Veterans Day in South Carolina.
"We travel to communities, whether they're big or small," Doty said. "It's a time of sharing, meeting old friends and celebrating our freedoms."
It's also a way of sharing the emotional impact of the wall.
"We want to honor, respect, and remember those who served and those who are serving," Doty said.
"Not many can go to D.C., and many won't go."
During yesterday's opening ceremonies, groups of active and retired service members combed the memorial for names of those they served alongside.
Others, such as retired sailor John McDaniels, were hesitant to look for the names of friends who had died so many years ago.
"There was a lot of loss of good men for something we believed in," McDaniels said as he choked back tears. "I'm not sure if I want to find any of my buddies."
Many younger service members saw this event as an opportunity to pay their respects.
"There is a bond that never goes away," Camp Pendleton Marine Capt. Daryl Desimone said. "In the day-to-day activities, it's so easy to lose focus. It's a good reminder to remind ourselves of those who went before us."
"It doesn't take a vet to honor a vet," Doty said. "Never forget."
Call staff writer Christina Lopez at 760-740-5416.
Patriot Days coming to county
| 4/15/2010 6:00:00 AM |
| Courtesy/TODAY’S NEWS-HERALD Dana Haley of Hisperia, Calif., holds a rubbing of a name off the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Memorial wall last year for Jack Brammer, of San Bernardino, Calif. |
OCEANSIDE: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica on display through Sunday
Motorcyclists Daniel Barajas, left, and Bill Weber, both of San Bernardino, greet each other at the El Corazon Senior Center in Oceanside on Wednesday where the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica will be displayed. (Photo by Bill Wechter - Staff photographer)
A crew of more than 200 motorcyclists rode through Oceanside on Wednesday afternoon, escorting a traveling memorial to Vietnam veterans that will be on display over the next several days at the El Corazon Senior Center.
Many of the bikers were veterans, with bright patches and pins broadcasting their service or American flags on their jackets and vests.
The memorial they brought to town is a 370-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The wall will be on display at the senior center from Thursday through Sunday and is sure to attract a crowd, said Fred Zariczny, a Vietnam-era veteran and pastor of Rushing Wind Ministries.
Zariczny said his congregation sponsored the traveling wall, owned by American Veterans Travelling Tribute, because they wanted to honor the area's many servicemen and women. He invited people from throughout the region to visit the exhibit.
He said the memorial gives servicemen and women, their families and friends a place to honor those who have been killed in combat.
"We believe there's a lot of people that need to be recognized, honored and thanked for their service to our country," he said. "People have lost family members in these wars, and we want to tell them we love them and God loves them."
The wall, made from metal, is about 80 percent of the size of the granite monument in the nation's capital. It is one of several walls that travel throughout the United States to pay homage to soldiers killed in that conflict. The wall contains the names of more than 58,000 servicemen and women who were killed overseas during the Vietnam War.
The replica wall will be open for free viewing from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
A ceremony with guest speakers and music will be held at 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Rushing Winds Ministry will hold a church service at the wall at 10 a.m. Sunday.
The exhibit is at the El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive off Rancho del Oro Drive near Oceanside Boulevard.
The four-day installation will also feature memorials for World Wars I and II, the Korean War and Sept. 11, and nine presentation boards featuring gold dog tags engraved with the names of soldiers who were killed during any war since the Vietnam War.
Shirley Doty, who with her husband, Steve, is a part owner of Americans Veterans Travelling Tribute, said the company travels wherever they are invited to display the wall. Their version of the traveling wall ---- which is different from the wall that came to Oceanside in 2004 and was on display in San Diego last week ---- will visit 35 cities in 2010.
"The wall is to honor, remember and respect all who served," Doty said Wednesday. "It's for the people that can't go to D.C."
John Stryker Meyer, coordinator of the veterans program at Interfaith Community Services and a Vietnam War veteran, said he plans to visit the wall this weekend. He said the replica wall that visited Oceanside six years ago allowed many veterans to open up about their experiences in Vietnam.
"The wall has a profound healing effect on a lot of people," he said. "It's a poignant reminder of the price our country paid for that conflict. (Visiting) it is a major event for at least Vietnam vets, their families, and for those who knew people that died there or were MIAs."
The event is sponsored by Rushing Winds Ministries, Recon Mountaineer, Bikers for Christ International, Quick Throttle Magazine, Wheels of Grace Magazine and Marriott Residence Inn.
Visit www.rushingwindministries.org.
Call staff writer Cigi Ross at 760-901-4067.
Motorcyclists to ride with war memorial replica
BY BRUCE LIEBERMAN, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2010 AT 10:28 P.M.
SAN DIEGO — Motorcyclists from around the county will ride from San Diego to Oceanside on Wednesday to show their support for a four-day installation of a traveling replica of the Vietnam War Memorial wall in Washington, D.C.
The “American Veterans Traveling Tribute” begins at noon Thursday at the El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive in Oceanside.
Today at 9 a.m., motorcyclists are expected to begin arriving at San Diego Harley-Davidson in Kearny Mesa, 5600 Kearny Mesa Road. They will then accompany a semi-truck carrying the replica up to Oceanside, traveling on state Route 163, Interstate 805 and Interstate 5.
The four-day visit at the senior center will feature an opening ceremony, a concert, guest speakers and a church service. The wall will be on display from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The event is sponsored by Rushing Wind Ministries in Oceanside, Recon Mountaineer, Bikers for Christ International, Wheels of Grace Magazine, Quick Throttle Magazine and Marriott Residence Inn.
For more information, go to rushingwindministries.org.
PATRIOT DAYS IN LAKE HAVASU COMMUNITY PATRIOT DAYS IN LAKE HAVASU COMMUNITY Patriot Days in Lake Havasu Commuity
CONTACT: GREG TRYON LHC HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION 928-208-3463
PATRIOT DAYS IN LAKE HAVASU COMMUNITY
We are excited today to announce the establishment of the First Annual “Patriot Days” in our community, during the period 15 to 26 September 2010. This will be a community wide and national event with the centerpiece being the return of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT), Cost of Freedom Tribute and Traveling Wall. The focus is to demonstrate to the world that the Lake Havasu Community is indeed the most patriotic in the country. We will be showcasing all of our local events, talent, and establishments while combining ongoing events at the tribute which will be located in Windsor Park. The 10 days will be chocked with both ceremonial and fun activities and events for everyone. This event will be promoted nationwide and will use all the latest technology for sharing media during the event at all the different locations.
According to Greg Tryon Executive Director of the Hospitality Association, “We want to stress that this is an event that is coming from the grass roots and is self funded. No funding has been requested from any of the governmental entities. All we need is their normal infrastructure support as we bring new and returning visitors to the community to be part this event. We have no particular political agenda and simply want to come together among ourselves and invite others to join us in Celebrating the Freedom we have been given by those throughout our history whom we have asked to defend and protect us.”
A key element to Patriot Days will be in our joining as a community in support of Operation Gratitude (national 501c3 charity) in their mission to send care packages to the troops deployed outside the United States. According to Carolyn Blashek, founder of Operation Gratitude, “We have all the items for putting in the boxes; we just need the $11 that we must pay for postage for each box. Also we need the personal letters to go in each box so that each soldier has an immediate connection to someone caring about their service. Help us get those 100,000 packages out this year. We are blessed that Traceye Jones from LH has volunteered to be the Operation Gratitude Representative and to be the facilitator of your history making event. We can’t thank her enough.”
“We want to raise the postage for 20,000 plus packages and provide 20,000 plus letters for the troops. By doing so, we will be the first city in the US to do this together and we will be setting the standard for the rest of the country. I can think of no better way to show who we are and what we stand for, “said Dante Marinelli, President of Board, LHC Hospitality Association. Don Allen, CEO of AVTT, stated, “We are excited to be part of this First Annual Patriot Days from the very beginning. LH is a great community with the Diversity of the city, Parker, Bullhead, Kingman and the Native American tribes. By the time we get here we will have spread the word throughout the US and we will expect large numbers of visitors from both the region and the country to this community.”
Monthly updates will follow.
Bringing In The Wall
By Diane Saunders Staff Writer Published on Sunday, April 4, 2010 8:11 AM MST
Firth Park was transformed into a military memorial Wednesday after the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall arrived in Safford.
About 100 motorcycles escorted the truck carrying the replica Vietnam memorial wall and other military displays from the New Mexico line through Duncan and into Safford. The entourage included a hearse carrying a symbolic flag-draped coffin provided by Safford Funeral Home.
The funeral home also provided a limousine that carried local veterans from World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, said Steve Oller, club manager and financial officer of the Swift Murphy American Legion Post 32, which sponsored the display.
| Solomon resident Daniel Robles points toward Highway 70 as he tells his grandson, Jordan Robles, to watch for motorcycles as they await the arrival of American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall. Photo by Diane Saunders |
Among those greeting the entourage was the Daniel Robles family, who set up a patriotic display near Solomon. The display included a large American flag and a U.S. Marine Corps flag.
Robles, a former U.S. Marine who served in Vietnam, said he is the historian for American Legion Post 95 in Solomon.
“I’m glad to be a member of Post 95. Our commander, Ray Apodaca, was a Marine combat veteran in Vietnam who received the Silver Star for bravery,” Robles said.
After a brief welcoming ceremony at Wal-Mart, the truck delivered components of the display to Firth Park, where 20 inmates from the Arizona State Prison-Safford assisted with set- up.
Inmate Dennis Larson, a Vietnam veteran, said setting up the display brought back memories of his 25 months of service in that country.
“It’s very emotional to me,” Larson said. “It seems that since 9-11 we’ve been a lot more recognized. It’s an honor to pay tribute to these guys.”
According to Larson, he served on a Navy gun boat in Vietnam from July 1966 through August 1968.
Inmate Marlon Hobbs, who is an Air Force veteran but did not serve in Vietnam, said all members of the United States military understand the sacrifices Vietnam veterans made for the United States.
“All these individuals have paid the ultimate price, and that’s with their lives,” Hobbs said.
Valerie Williams of the local Veterans Administration office was at Firth Park as the military displays were set up.
“This will be a very sacramental sacred event for the Vietnam veterans,” she said.
Local veteran Buddy Reynolds, a disabled Vietnam veteran, agreed, saying the military tribute will promote “the healing process” of Vietnam veterans.
According to Williams, her office serves about 900 military veterans, of which about three-quarters are Vietnam veterans.
The wall and several other military tribute displays will be open around the clock through April 11. Firth Park is at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Highway 70.
Traveling Vietnam Wall & 1000 Flag Memorials Will Visit Newport
| Mar-29-2010 01:18 |
Vet traveling tribute to arrive March 31
Eastern Arizona Courier
Published on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 9:28 AM MST
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute-Traveling Wall Foundation will bring its memorial display to Safford on March 31.
The Swift Murphy American Legion Post No. 32 is sponsoring the display, which includes a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The replica wall is 80 percent of the size of the wall in Washington and bears the names of all 58,000 U.S. military members who lost their lives in Vietnam.
Steve Oller, club manager and financial officer of the post, said motorcycle riders and the Arizona Depart-ment of Public Safety are expected to meet trucks carrying the traveling tribute at 11 a.m. at the New Mexico border near Duncan.
The entourage, which could include up to 300 motorcycles, will travel west on Highway 70 into Safford.
Oller said the arrival time will be around noon. He said times are approximate.
A welcoming ceremony will be held on the Wal-Mart parking lot on 20th Avenue between noon and 1 p.m. After the ceremony, setup will begin at Firth Park on Highway 70 in Safford.
Oller said the setting up of the displays, including the replica Vietnam Wall, will be done by volunteers and inmates of the Arizona State Prison-Safford.
In addition to the wall, the tribute includes displays honoring those from the United States who served in the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the recent wars fought in Somalia and the Middle East.
There will also be a tribute honoring those who died Sept. 11, 2001 — known as 9-11 — when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked.
Visitors can view the memorial display April 1 through April 11. The memorial will be open around the clock. There is no admission charge.
The memorial will be open Easter Sunday, April 4.
“We’re planning on having a unique Easter service after church services,” Oller said.
For more information call the American Legion at 428-2990.
Copyright © 2010 Eastern Arizona Courier
American Veterans Traveling Tribute - Lewisriver.com
American Veterans Traveling Tribute
August 4 through August 8, 2010
La Center, Washington
214 East 4th Street
La Center, WA 98629
360.263.2782 | Fax 360.263.5700
La Center Mayor Jim Irish appeared before the Woodland City Council to ask for support of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute.
Tim Hopkins is co-coordinating The American Veterans Travelling Tribute in La Center, Washington. This event will last for four days and thousands of people are expected to attend. The main focus of the exhibit is the Wall which is a replica of the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, DC. The exhibit is 80% of the size of the original which is 8 feet tall and 380 feet long.
We encourage you and your family to support and attend this patriotic event.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute coming to Ennis
Community Participation Escalates
Carol Grey Honza
ENNIS – Spirited meetings continue regarding the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, oming to Ennis in May.
Members of the Welcome Home...Ennis Honors Her Heroes Committee, numerous community leaders, and area participants met Tuesday evening, March 2, at the VFW Post 7106 in Ennis.
Discussions involved ongoing plans for events leading up to the week-long celebration scheduled for May 5-9 in Ennis.
Due to the absence of the co-chairmen, Dan Cook, and Marylyn Wylie — Buddy Markham chaired the meeting, covering a number of items on the agenda, including budgetary projections for the event, and the progression of sub-committee assignments.
"We are looking to have many entries in our Patriotic Parade on Saturday, May 8," said Paula Tucker, parade chairman.
"We are already receiving entries."
"Parade applications may be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce, the Ennis Daily News, Waxahachie Daily Light, The Ellis County Press, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Ennis Public Library, or you may phone: Paula Tucker, parade chairman, 972-875-2717."
There will be vintage cars, classic cars, motor cycles, floats, etc., hopefully, bands, and all must be decorated in a Patriotic theme or colors. At this point, we do not have a true picture of the make-up of the parade – but hopefully, we will have a better scope by mid April," said Tucker.
Carol Honza, public relations chairman reported, "Poster and Essay contests and guidelines for school age students have been sent to Ellis County schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and extra copies are available at Waxahachie Daily Light, Ennis Daily News, The Ellis County Press, Ennis Public Library, Ennis Boys & Girls Club, the Ennis Chamber of Commerce and Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau."
"You may also phone 972-878-5510 for additional copies of Contests and Guidelines," she said.
"We have had an army of people ready and willing to assist in our event in so many ways," said Markham.
"Of primary importance was the generous donation of the use of an unused portion school property which was donated by EISD school administration for a one-time use during the week of the event, to be used as the site on which to house the main event. "This is where the Wall will be erected, and the ceremonial tent, and main events will be held. This property selection initially, had a great deal to do with the Veterans Traveling Wall event coming to Ennis at all — so it is with a great amount of appreciation that we acknowledge the donation of the use of this property by EISD officials. "In addition, numerous school professionals are also donating their time and talents [after school hours] volunteering in the efforts toward the event," explained Markham..
"Military personnel from various branches of services have come forward to offer ground and air assistance.
"Churches have reached out to offer pastoral coverage with event services, benediction ceremonies, etc. Vietnam veterans are especially interested in the event as the Traveling Wall contains 58,000 names of those lost in the Vietnam War.
"Other American Veteran losses are also specifically honored at the event in various memorials, so we expect many other people will want to see these memorials as well," added Markham. .
"City of Ennis departments and staff, police and fire fighters, along with ambulance personnel have stepped up to offer help in numerous areas.
"The American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard and area bikers will be highly visible in Ennis during the week of the event – offering escort and patrol assistance as well," added Markham.
Meeting attendee Police Chief John Erisman noted, "Our department is ready to meet the challenges of this type of event head-on.
"It is similar to other events which occur in Ennis, where parades are involved."
"We have a ready-plan and protocol to cover such events, and we will be meeting with your Committee on a regular basis to follow each stage in its planning, and schedule our departmental plans accordingly."
"Business leaders, retirees; scout troops, and the general public from many areas of Ellis County and the Metroplex want to help," continued Markham."
"And many people are attending our fundraisers – like our recent chili supper at Baylor Baptist Church on Feb. 20,, sponsored by the VFW, which brought a good crowd that enjoyed some very good Chili fixins. "With gratitude, the proceeds were all donated by the VFW to our upcoming Veterans’ event," he added. "Mike Riley, our resident King-of-Ennis-Fish-Fry’s is cooking up a second fundraiser —a fish-fry, is scheduled March 20 at the First United Methodist Church in Ennis. "We hope everyone will come, because it is so heartwarming to know our Veterans are honored through such great opportunities for community participation," concluded Markham.
Organizational meetings of the Welcome Home – Ennis Honors Her Heroes Committee of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute will continue biweekly up until the event. Approximately 30 members and guests attended the meeting on Tuesday, March 2.
Meetings are open to anyone who may be interested in participating in the plans for the memorial event. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16 tat 6:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Ennis.
Traveling Vietnam wall to return to Gila Valley
By Diane Saunders Staff Writer Published on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 9:43 AM MST
Residents of the Gila Valley and beyond will have a chance to visit the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall beginning April 1 in Firth Park in Safford.
The Swift Murphy American Legion Post No. 32 is sponsoring the display, which includes a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. has donated $1,500 to help defray the costs of bringing the wall to Graham County.
"Freeport has been more than generous supporting veteran and Valley functions," said Steve Oller, club manager and financial officer of the post.
The Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall was at Firth Park in April 2008. An estimated 65,000 people, including school and veterans groups, visited the display.
The wall is 80 percent of the size of the wall in Washington and bears the names of all 58,000 U.S. military members who lost their lives in Vietnam.
The tribute includes displays honoring those from the United States who served in other wars, including World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict and the wars fought in the Middle East.
Oller said the wall — which is new — will arrive March 31. The wall is replaced periodically as it begins to show wear from frequent travel. Prison inmates and workers from the city of Safford and Graham County will help set up the display.
Visitors can view the memorial display April 1 through April 11. The display will be open around the clock.
Kat Sticklin, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, said volunteers are needed at the memorial throughout its 10-day stay in Firth Park.
"We want to get the community involved," Sticklin said, adding that local music groups are being sought to perform at the park.
Oller said organizers plan to designate certain days to honor different branches of the U.S. military. For example, April 10 will be Army day. On that day, members of the active-duty Army and the Army National Guard will participate.
For more information call the American Legion at 428-2990.
Massive Veterans Wall Display at Daytona Bike Week Plaza Resort
Veteran's Tribute Vietnam Traveling Wall Procession Today
The massive traveling Vietnam Wall is a tribute to those who served our country and will be on display from 9am to 6pm, March 4-5th at the Plaza Resort on 600 N. Atlantic Ave in Daytona Beach. The display will also be open on Saturday from 9am to 4pm with closing ceremonies that include prominent keynote speakers, a balloon release, and Jimi Hendrix & Rolling Stones tribute bands.
Miss BikeWeek.com will be making an appearance for a meet and greet and photo opportunities on Thursday from 5 to 7pm at the Plaza. Something tells me she's going to make a lot of veterans and bikers very happy. What a great way to show our veterans respect and gratitude for all they have done for our country.
We hope you can stop by to see the tribute and take some pictures with Miss BikeWeek.com.
See the complete time line below for more details:
March 3, 2010
9am - 10am
Vietnam Travelling Wall Enters Daytona Beach
Staging area will be Gary Yeoman's Ford at the Daytona Auto Mall. The Travelling Wall, Rolling Thunder and Daytona Beach Police will assemble to escort the wall N. on Tomoka Farms Road to Mason Avenue. The Wall and Escorts will proceed E. up Mason to A1A, turning left to continue to the Plaza resort & Spa, located at 600 N. Atlantic Ave.
Media are welcome to come to the staging area at Gary Yeoman's before the procession. A staging area will be set up at 501 N. Atlantic Ave. for photo opportunities. Media can also photograph the arrival of the Wall from the Plaza parking lot.
March 4 - 5, 2010
9am - 6pm
'A Walk with Heroes' open to the public
All displays are open to viewing in the Plaza Resort's North Lot
There is no charge to the General Public for viewing
Displays Include:
Vietnam Wall
Walk of Heroes Collection
The 'Cost of Freedom' tribute
WWI/WWII/Korean War Tribute Collection
Gold Dog Tag collection for casualties since the Vietnam War
9/11 Tribute
Civil War Memorial
March 6, 2010
9am - 4pm
A Walk with Heroes' open to the public
All displays are open to viewing in the Plaza Resort's North Lot
There is no charge to the General Public for viewing
Displays Include:
Vietnam Wall
Walk of Heroes Collection
The 'Cost of Freedom' tribute
WWI/WWII/Korean War Tribute Collection
Gold Dog Tag collection for casualties since the Vietnam War
9/11 Tribute
Civil War Memorial
4:29pm
'A Walk with Heroes' Tribute program begins
'Changing of the Guard' ceremony at the Vietnam memorial Wall
5pm
Presentation of Colors/ WWII 'Warbird' Flyover
Invocation/National Anthem
Opening Remarks
Master of Ceremonies, Mike White, Volusia Director of Veterans Affairs
Swearing in of New Recruits
Sergeant Major Harold G. Overstreet, 12th Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps
Remarks
Sgt. Maj. Overstreet
Keynote Speaker
Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey
Prayer for the Fallen/Moment of Silence/21 Gun Salute
Memorial Mass Balloon Launch
Star Spangled Banner
Jimi Taylor
Conclusion of Program
7pm
Tribute Concerts begin
Jimi Taylor (Jimi Hendrix Tribute)
Glimmer Twins (Rolling Stones tribute
'A Walk with Heroes' is a partnership between the Plaza Resort & Spa, Ocean Waters Management, and the World Famous Buffalo Chip.
The Plaza Resort & Spa is located at 600 N. Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach. The media is invited to attend all festivities. Media must RSVP for organizational purposes.
Media can contact Tim Stockman at (386) 944-4296, for further details or email him at tstockman@oceanwatersmanagement.com
Tribute to Heroes of Freedom
Sunday, 28 February 2010 00:00
HOPKINS COUNTY, KY - The Traveling Wall, an 80% scale version of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. will be at the Hopkins County Fairground/Ballard Convention Center in the fall 2010; along with other exhibits. Exhibits that honor firefighters and other first responders as well as the heroes of 9/11 and Iraq and Afghanistan.
The group bringing the exhibits to Hopkins County is American Veterans Traveling Tribute; an non-profit organization based in Washington state and Texas. They, www.AVTT.org , travel across our nation for the purpose to honor, respect and remember the men and women who served; and, to pay specific tribute to those that gave their all in that service.
The local sponsor is A Tribute to Heroes of Freedom, a group of ten local citizens.
Memorials and Exhibits
• The Cost of Freedom Memorial: A series of stand-up exhibits created in gold dog tags to record the names of those who gave their lives for freedom since Vietnam and include Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
• 911 Memorials: A stand-up exhibit with lighted towers to make sure “we never forget.” Each name is recorded according to their location at the time of the tragedy.
• Walk of Heroes: A series of stand-up’s that pay tribute and provide education regarding our country’s history, as well as conflicts America was involved in to insure our freedom.
• Vietnam Remembered: A nationally acclaimed art display of original paintings and more; for viewing, education and reflection.
• World War II: Displays of pictures and information to pay specific tribute to WWII veterans.
• Korean War: A beautiful pictorial display to the men who fought the forgotten war along with battle maps and war timeline.
How can Americans ever forget what the WW II veterans did for our nation? They earned the well deserved designation of “The Greatest Generation.” Sadly, Americans quickly forgot the Korean War vets; and, that war became known as the forgotten war. And as we all know, “The Wall” in Washington, D.C. is a tribute to over 58,000 men & women who didn’t come home. Neither the Korean or Vietnam War vets were given a hero’s welcome.
While Tribute to Heroes of Freedom will honor our military heroes, we’re certainly not forgetting the first responders. Do you remember seeing the police officers, firefighters and EMT personnel rushing into the burning Twin Towers? America’s first responders, men and women, stand at-the-ready 24/7 risking their lives to protect and serve.
But now, we have a chance to show all “Heroes of Freedom,” from WW II and Vietnam to the Iraqi /Afghan vets, that Hopkins Countians do remember their sacrifice by sponsoring Tribute to Heroes of Freedom. These are done deals. That's why it's so important for pro-freedom Americans like yourself to have an opportunity to share in this great undertaking.
A contract has already been signed. A down payment has been made. Hopkins County is on AVTT’s schedule to be here this fall. An account has been established at Integra Bank. There is an immediate need to raise a minimum of $10,000.00 to get this event started and moving forward. It will be necessary to raise approximately $20,000.00 to fully fund this event. This undertaking will take churches, businesses and individuals contributing and supporting the Tribute to Heroes of Freedom. This could be the largest public event of this kind to ever come to our community.
Churches‘, businesses’ and individuals’ names will be placed on the program showing they are a supporter. Dan McGary (Automotive Express) was the first person to see the positive value of supporting this tribute by instantly contributing. So, his name will be at the top of the program of contributors. Thank you, Dan.
Information provided to iSurf by Bill Adcock.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute Moving Wall Nov.9-14, 2009
Moday is the ride to the wall lineup at 8:30am Triumph Church Monday opening ceremonies at 5:30pm Tuesday 6:00pm candlelight Vigil Wednesday District Program at 9:00am Wednesday Community Wide Service at 6:30pm Thursday Schools invited to see "The Wall" Thursday Flag Retirement Program 6:00pm Friday Schools invited to see "The Wall" Friday Flag Folding Ceremony 6:00pm Saturday Wounded Warriors 5K/Walk/Run 9-12pm Host Hotel: LaQuinta Inn Lumberton, TX. 409-751-3999 For more Information contact Kountze Middle School 409-246-3551 iestepp@esc5.net mjohnston@esc5.net jferguson@esc5.net Website:kountzeisd.org
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute Exhibit Arrives at Van Nuys National Guard Armory
| For Operation Gratitude founder Carolyn Blashek, seeing the motorcade escort of the Traveling Wall arrive at their Van Nuys headquarters is such an emotional experience that it leaves her speechless. Joining her to receive the exhibit will be a two star General and Chatsworth resident, Msgt. Edward Chema, 85, a retired bronze star veteran of three wars, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. While millions of people travel to Washington D. C. to see the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, starting today, a traveling exhibit of the wall will be in Van Nuys coinciding with Operation Gratitude's upcoming care package drive. "When anybody sees this exhibit, I have to tell you, it's just extraordinarily moving." The first time Blashek saw the traveling exhibit was in Shasta. She said she was so overwhelmed, she couldn't stop crying. "It's so beautiful and so emotional. One of the things that makes this particular exhibit so unique, it's not just the Viet Nam Memorial display, it's also The Cost of Freedom display that are these raised display cases with gold dog tags for every person who's perished since Viet Nam, Blashek described seeing 58,000 names as staggering. As Blashek walked along the wall, she said she didn't have names in particular that she was looking for and wasn't aware the exhibit included names from current wars or artifacts like dog tags, medals and boots. "I started walking around and I see these raised cases and I don't know what they are. I start walking by them, I'm seeing names and thought, wait a minute, I know those names. I started to realize what it was. I recognized the names because these were people we had sent care packages to." Seeing the names she knew, Blashek said, "went through her whole being." Among what looked like an endless number of names, she began to look for the names of family members and children of Operation Gratitude volunteers, the people she felt so close to. "I thought, 'there's no way I'll find those.' And don't you know, as I was walking by, every single one of them just popped up at me. I'm really speechless about it because it was such an extraordinary moment for me." Blashek said finding the names she recognized on the display of fallen soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan gave her an opportunity she didn't have before. "I had not been able to attend their funerals or memorials. I knew so many of them, now I was able to [stand before their dog tags, their names] and pay my respect," she said. "It was such an important moment for me, it was a very personal experience." She found the names of the five fallen service members that Operation Gratitude had paid tribute to by painting a mural on the hood of the jeep to mark the 300,000th package. "When we presented the jeep, we had a tribute on the hood of the car with the names of the fallen soldiers from our recipient's unit, which is what he had asked to do. It was a beautiful hand painted mural on the car." Said Blashek. "They were very important to me in Operation Gratitude because they played a role in a very significant milestone in our organization, so when I found the names of all five of the service members, I felt I had an opportunity to speak to them, in a sense, to be there, to touch their names, to touch their dog tags, to emote, to express my emotions about their service and their sacrifice," she said. Blashek said she also viewed finding their names so unexpectedly was also an uplifting experience. "To know that these people who perished knew how much we cared and appreciated them because they did receive our care packages. At least we got to say 'Thank You' to them while they were alive. " | IF YOU GO