Traveling Vietnam wall conjures support

War veterans held informational meeting

MOSES LAKE - Representatives from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association provided a presentation about a traveling Vietnam War wall coming to Moses Lake June 11 through June 15 to conjure community support Thursday afternoon.

More than 50 people interested in supporting the traveling wall's Moses Lake visit attended, looking for ways to help and donate resources. The audience included city government leaders, a former state legislator, law enforcement, community leaders and war veterans from multiple veterans associations.

Association Representative Bill Davis said the traveling wall is a replica of the veterans' wall in Washington, D.C. He said it is 80 percent of the size of the original wall.

The wall, based in Mt. Vernon, features more than 58,000 names of those who died serving during the Vietnam War. It is the largest traveling wall, spanning nearly 400 feet, he said.

Veteran theme art pieces and a golden dog tag collection featuring names of those who died serving the U.S. military since the Vietnam War will be on display with the wall at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

"It's pretty hard not to break down," Association Representative John Lamp said.

He said seeing the wall in person is a moving experience.

"The wall is open to the public and free of charge," Lamp said.

The veteran exhibit is not just for Vietnam veterans, it's for all war veterans, Davis said.

Association Representative Pat Payne said the event and funds raised will benefit veterans.

He said he hopes the event will generate enough interest to get local groups started in the Columbia Basin who want to help veterans when they return to the United States.

"These young people coming home need our help," Payne said.

He said there are programs to help veterans with their immediate needs such as first month's rent, vehicle repairs, food and counseling.

Payne said the five-day event is community friendly and everyone is welcome to attend. He said there will be several events at the fairgrounds including a veterans rally, flat track racing, vendors, custom motorcycle-builders displays, keynote speakers, a fun-run, an indoor beverage garden, live music, an open mic session and a bike wash. They are working to put together a civil war re-enactment and a drag race, Payne added.

Association Representative Cal Edwards said he is recruiting motorcyclists to ride along with the traveling wall through several cities while it is being transported to Moses Lake. He said the line of motorcyclists following the traveling wall could be several miles in length.

Davis said motorcyclists are traveling from as far away as New Hampshire to be a part of the veterans rally.

Payne said he encourages Moses Lake residents to display flags and welcoming banners as the wall is being driven through the city to the fairgrounds.

Quincy Citizen and war veteran Phil Anderson asked if the association is involving youth.

Payne said everyone is invited and local Boy Scout groups will be honored during the event. He said he encourages youth to see the wall because of its historical value.

Moses Lake Mayor Ron Covey said the city supports the traveling wall event.

"We're here to support you guys and make sure the wall gets here safely," Moses Lake Police Chief Dean Mitchell said.

Columbia Basin law enforcement will assist in transporting the wall into the city.

Motorcyclists interested in accompanying the traveling wall's journey can e-mail Edwards at Cal@CalEdwards.com.

People interested in donating resources and time can contact Payne at 509-599-0574 or association representative Stan Woods at 509-869-8202 or by visiting www.veteranstributerally.org.