B104 welcomes the Vietnam Traveling Memorial, hosted by the Fifty American Flags Living Memorial to Bloomington-Normal!
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, hosted by The Fifty American Flags Living Memorial, will be on display on the campus of Eastview Christian Church June 26th through 29th, 2008.
Veterans...Tell Your Story! Vietnam Veterans are invited to share your pictures and memomrabilia with your fellow vets and others who care. If you have an interest in displaying any of your Vietnam era photos, artifacts, and memorabilia, please contact Jim Logsdon at (309)829-9071 or (309)287-3613 for details.
Volunteers are needed! Please click here to download a volunteer form!
Or call 309-829-9071 or email: ctlogs@fiftyflags.com
About “The Wall”:
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. It stands six feet tall at the center, and covers almost 300 feet from end to end.
The Traveling Memorial stands as a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. It was made to help heal, rekindle friendships, and to allow people the opportunity to visit who otherwise might not be able to make the trip to Washington.
Where: Eastview Christian Church campus, 1500 N. Airport Road, Bloomington
Hours: Opens at noon on Thursday (6/25), and is open 24 hours per day…through closing ceremonies at 7pm on Sunday (6/29)
Admission: Free
Special Events Schedule*:
- Wednesday, 6/25 –
- Motorcycle escort will meet “The Wall” near Farmer City, and will escort it to the viewing site.
- All riders are welcome!
- For more information on joining the escort, contact Denny Turner at 309-262-7726 or Mick Mills at 309-728-2098.
- Thursday, 6/26
- “The Wall” opens for viewing at noon
- Opening Ceremonies at 5pm
- Fly-overs by F-16s, KC-135s, and Blackhawks
- Posting of colors by area veterans groups
- Posting of the Fifty American Flags Living Memorial and 50 state flags
- Patriotic Songs
- Keynote Speaker: Dennis Thompson
- Wreath Laying
- Any individual, business, or group interested in laying a wreath at “The Wall” during the formal ceremony should contact Carol Logsdon at 309-829-9071.
- Friday, 6/27
- Barbershop Chorus performs at 7pm
- Special presentation to recognize several area veterans to follow
- Tiger Cage and POW Honors Table presentation
- Candlelight reading of names of area heroes
- Saturday, 6/28
- Public is welcome to bring flags (or purchase on-site) to be flown over “The Wall.” Certificates will be issued commemorating the flag flying over “The Wall.”
- The Spectors perform at 7pm
- Sunday, 6/29
- Closing ceremonies at 7pm
- Patriotic Songs by His Voice
- Guest Speaker
- 21-gun salute by Macon County American Legion
- Retiring of the colors by local veterans groups
- Echo Taps
Throughout the Event (Noon Thursday through 7pm Sunday)*:
- Static displays of military equipment, armored equipment, huey and cobra helicopters
- Quilt of Tears Memorial (display of 26 quilts honoring victims of Agent Orange)
- Vintage flags display from Elk’s Lodge
- “Tell Your Story” – display depicting Vietnam years in photos and memorabilia
- Any Vietnam vet that would like to display their photos and memories can contact Jim Logsdon at 309-829-9071.
- Simpkings War Museum booth and display
- Informational displays from Veterans Administration, Branches of Service, Veterans Groups, Women in the Military, and other informative displays
*All schedules are tentative and subject to change.
Click here for the Fifty American Flags Living Memorial website.