Vietnam memorial monument to make Coral Springs appearance

  • 2015-09-29
The Moving Wall, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., is coming to Coral Springs in October.

It was the idea of veteran John Devitt, who was in attendance at the 1982 dedication in Washington D.C. and wanted to be able to share the experience with people who were unable to travel to see the monument. The Moving Wall was then built by Devitt and other former Vietnam Veterans, has more than 58,000 names of Americans who died during the war. The Moving Wall has been touring the United States for more than 30 years.

Sponsors of this exhibit are generally civic groups, schools, or veterans’ organizations. Sponsors are provided a brochure that outlines the many regulations for hosting the event. Some of the guidelines in the brochure include information on the types of locations, required handicap access, and restroom facilities. The guidelines even pinpoint the specific signage, likely obtained from a local sign or banner printing company, required to inform attendees of the need to keep their cellphone switched off, and other etiquette advice.

The Wall will be displayed at Sportsplex in Coral Springs from October 22 to 26. Daily ceremonies are planned to commemorate the Vietnam veterans. Attendees will also have an opportunity leave mementos at the Wall, which will be sent back to the Moving Wall Museum in Washington D.C.