Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica, “The Wall That Heals” (Photo: LBJ Library)
On Tuesday, in Merced, California, more than one hundred motorcyclists, many of whom are Veterans, participated in escorting a cargo truck transporting “The Wall That Heals” into town.
The display is accessible to the public free of charge until March 31. Nearly 100 communities vied for the privilege of hosting “The Wall That Heals” tour, and the campus of Merced College was selected among 33 sites.
“The Wall” is a scaled-down replica, measuring three-quarters of the original Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Washington D.C., bearing the names of the 58,281 men and women who lost their lives in Vietnam. Crafted from synthetic granite, the replica accurately mimics the layout of the original memorial in Washington, D.C., offering visitors the opportunity to create rubbings of the names etched onto the wall.
On Friday, March 29, there will be a National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony with Congressman John Duarte, the Gallo family, and local politicians. The Daughters of the American Revolution will also be making a special tribute to the Gallo family. At sunset during the stay, a bugler is scheduled to play TAPS. The closing ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 31, at 1:30 p.m.
Opening ceremonies started yesterday, March 28, at 10 a.m. on the campus front lawn, featuring guests including elected officials, members of the Merced Sunrise Rotary who spearheaded the effort to bring the wall to Merced, and keynote speaker Admiral Michael Seward, USCG (ret) of Hilmar. Chris Vitelli, the president of Merced College, expressed gratitude to the participants of Tuesday’s motorcade, stating his personal connection as the son of a Vietnam Veteran and the importance of educating the community about this piece of history.
Leading the procession from Atwater to Merced, Merced Police Chief Steven Stanfield — who was joined by six motorcycle officers — expressed his delight at the amount of community support he saw all along the route. In Atwater, City Councilman John Cale shared his amazement at the turnout of motorcycles and individuals welcoming the memorial, recognizing the significance of the event for Veterans who may not have received a warm welcome upon their return from Vietnam.
At Merced College, Ride Captain Adam Conour recited the names of the 46 soldiers from Merced County who lost their lives during the Vietnam War, including Lt. Peter Gallo, whose name is on panel 47E, Line 10 of the wall. The Veterans Resource Center at Merced College, named in Lt. Gallo’s honor, continues to provide support to military personnel, Veterans, and their families
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, a nonprofit organization in charge of the Washington, D.C. monument and curating the exhibit, invites visitors to explore the mobile Education Center. Through educational exhibits and digital photo displays, the center provides information about the Vietnam War, the significance of the wall, and American history during that time period.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
