An American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT), the Traveling Vietnam Wall, will be on display from March 19 through March 22, at The Gateway Mall in Prescott.
The Traveling Wall allows communities across the country to pay homage to those who were lost or killed in the Vietnam War, but may not be able to travel great distances to do so. The Wall is 360 feet long and eight feet high at the apex, which is an 80 percent scale of the Wall in Washington D.C., and contains the names of the 58,300 American service men and women who perished in the conflict. The Traveling Wall was completed in early 1998 and began traveling that year.
AVTT, based in Flint, Texas, is a veteran-owned project committed to travel the United States to honor, respect and remember those who served and pay specific tribute to those who gave all. They provide the wall, crew and expertise for the traveling memorial. AVTT’s Traveling Wall is the largest Wall replica traveling the United States, and is not to be confused with several other replica Walls, including The Moving Wall, The Dignity Wall or the Wall That Heals.
“We saw this as a perfect opportunity to not only showcase the City of Prescott, Gateway Mall and their dedication to the veteran community, but also to gain new exposure for AZ Wall Project and the beautiful veterans park and education center we are building in Gilbert, Arizona,” said Lisa Rigler, president of Operation Welcome Home AZ and Chair of the AZ Wall Project.
“This could very well be the last time a Traveling Wall visits Arizona,” said Prescott Mayor Marlin Kuykendall. “We are more than honored to be the hosting city.”
The wall will arrive in Prescott on Wednesday, March 18, escorted into the community by a motorcycle procession, including many Patriot Guard Riders. The wall will be erected on Thursday, March 19 by volunteers, and the tribute will have a soft opening at noon, with a Posting of Colors, and a blessing of the wall and exhibits. Once the exhibit opens, the wall will be accessible to visitors around the clock until it closes on Sunday, March 22.
There will be many events and activities in conjunction with the Traveling Wall’s presence and visitors are encouraged to visit www.prescott-az.gov for more information. QCBN
By Catherine Sebold
Catherine Sebold is the communications & public affairs manager for the City of Prescott, located at 201 S. Cortez Street in Prescott. She can be reached at 928-777-1362 or catherine.sebold@prescott-az.gov.
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