Armstrong County residents will be able to visit a 300-foot long miniature version of the Vietnam Memorial Wall as it travels to Kittanning in June. (photo from Camden, TN event provided by themovingwall.org)
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is set to make its appearance in early June at Kittanning’s Riverfront Park.
The Wall is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC spanning 300 feet and travels throughout the country. It was made for the purpose of allowing people the opportunity to see names of loved ones from their home town who otherwise may not be able to make the trip to Washington, DC.
The timing was coordinated to bring the Wall to Kittanning when Kittanning Hose Company #1 hosts their 16th annual Waves of Thunder motorcycle event.
Kevin Kline of Kittanning Hose Co. #1, and Randy King and Don King of VFW Post 4843 moderated the planning meeting last Saturday, held at the Post home in Pattonville.
Kline said the last time the Wall was in Kittanning was in the 1990s.
“We felt it important to pay our respects to veterans. That is why we reached out to the local Post here to see if they would be willing to co-sponsor the Vietnam Memorial Wall.”
Kline said timing was perfect to host the Wall.
“We already have the event, we already have Kittanning Riverfront Park… since there is already something going on there, we wanted to expand and utilize the Park towards Sheetz. It’s a tranquil area with tree coverage and shade.”
The motorcycle event goes from Friday June 7 through Sunday, June 9. However, Kline said the Wall will be arriving on Wednesday, June 5.
“We have already planned an opening ceremony which will take place in that area of the Park on Thursday at 6PM. We have reached out to the Kittanning Firemen’s Band to play patriotic music. We are in the process of have some very special guest speakers at that ceremony.”
Kline said there was a large contingency of motorcyclists who plan to come into town that travel with the Wall. For that reason, there has been a request for earlier closure of South Water Street to accommodate the additional traffic to the Park.
“There are many roles that have to be filled that include volunteers helping set the Wall up, volunteers watching over the Wall day and night – it never closes while it is here – anybody is welcome to go visit it day or night. It will open Thursday night at 6PM and stay open until Monday, June 10 at 4PM, when they will start taking the Wall down.”
Although entertainment for the motorcycle show typically ends Sunday afternoon at 5PM, Kline said there may be additional entertainment scheduled since they anticipate many visitors to continue in the Park Sunday evening to observe the Wall. He also suggested that perhaps a local church would hold a candlelight vigil Sunday night.
It was suggested at the meeting that the American Legion Honor Guard participate in the opening ceremonies. Another suggestion was to have someone come and blow taps each evening at sunset.
American Legion Riders Ed French requested a time table when the Wall would reach the Armstrong County line so the motorcycle group could provide an escort into Kittanning.
Kline said the Kittanning Eagles organization was asked to keep their facility open to visitors since they will be in proximity to the Wall.
To pay for transportation costs of the Wall, a special fund has been set up by the VFW. Anyone wishing to make a donation to help offset the costs may do so by sending their check to the VFW Post 4843, 2125 Bailey Avenue, Ford City, PA 16226.
To volunteer, call Don King at 412-549-2095.
Approximately 25 individuals from various veteran organizations gathered last Saturday to hear details of the Traveling Vietnam Wall that is scheduled to come to Kittanning in early June.