The half-size, exact replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial known as "The Moving Wall" arrives at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park on April 5 and will be on display at the Johnson Settlement from April 5-11, 2004. The arrival of this 252-foot exhibit, a tribute to all veterans who served their country during the Vietnam War, is a historic event for Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
A full slate of commemorative activities is planned. The opening ceremony will take place on Monday, April 5, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Representatives of the Vietnam Veterans Association and a joint color guard from the five military branches will be on hand to post the colors. Bill Goshen, a Vietnam veteran from Marble Falls, Texas will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. William Pollock, a Vietnam veteran from Johnson City, Texas will deliver the keynote address.
Various documentaries and films on Vietnam will be featured at the LBJ Visitor Center during the week, as well as talks and book signings by several well known Vietnam Veterans and authors. The park will also feature two special museum exhibits on Vietnam and military band concerts. The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 11, at 2 p.m., culminating in a lowering of the colors. Taps will be played every evening at 8 p.m.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Johnson City officials, private, civic and veteran’s organizations, local private businesses and private citizens have all come together as co-sponsors and volunteers to make this historic event a reality. A finding aid will be available to those looking for particular names, and materials will be provided for making rubbings of the engraved names. The Moving Wall has been touring the country for almost 20 years. It is owned by Vietnam Combat Veterans Limited. It was the inspiration of John Devitt, an Army veteran and helicopter door gunner who attended the 1982 dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and vowed to share the positive power of that moment with those who could not travel to see the actual Memorial.
Additional information may be obtained by calling (830) 868-7128, extension 244, or visiting www.nps.gov/lyjo. The Moving Wall can be viewed twenty-four hours a day from April 5 to the closing ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on April 11.
