Safford, AZ
Bringing In The Wall
Apr/04/2010 20:11 Filed in: News Article
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.
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.
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.
Vet traveling tribute to arrive March 31
Mar/24/2010 09:28 Filed in: News Article
By Diane Saunders
Staff Writer
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
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
Traveling Vietnam wall to return to Gila Valley
Mar/10/2010 09:43 Filed in: News Article
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.
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.