Vietnam Veterans Memorial Makes a Stop in Central Texas

Central Texans will have the chance to pay tribute to the military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the United States and its freedom.  The "Wall that Heals," which is a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will make a stop in Taylor beginning Thursday, March 25 through Sunday, March 28.  You can find it at the corner of Main Street and Mallard Lane.

Governor Rick Perry encouraged people to take time to visit the memorial.  “Throughout our nation’s history, the men and women of our armed forces have given their lives to ensure our nation’s freedom, and I encourage Texans to take advantage of this opportunity to honor those who have given their lives to create the country we know today,” Gov. Perry said. “It’s not every day that we see a historic monument travel to Texas and have the chance to participate in a ceremony of this magnitude.”

A special ceremony will be held on Saturday at 7 p.m., that will include a candlelight vigil, will honor fallen soldiers whose names are inscribed on the wall.  A flyover by the Commemorative Air Force will take place, and the Texas Association of Vietnam Veterans will participate.

“Many Americans will not have an opportunity to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and this event provides the chance to experience some of what that landmark conveys,” Sen. Steve Ogden said. “I hope that everyone who can will pay tribute to those who served us all.”
 
There are more than 200,000 Texas veterans of the Vietnam War, with more than 3,400 Texans' names listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  You can find more information about the "Wall that Heals" by going here.  

The memorial will be open for viewing from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.