Vietnam Wall Welcome and Gratitude Ceremony

7/16/2013

The City of Irvine, in partnership with Vietnam Veterans of America and Vision2Victory, is proud to welcome The Wall That Heals, a half-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance to Woodbridge Community Park July 18-21. 

Under the supervision of volunteers, both walls will remain open for public viewing 24 hours a day. Viewings of the memorials are free and open the public.

The City of Irvine will host a special Welcome and Gratitude Ceremony on Saturday, July 20 at 10 a.m. Moderated by Mayor Steven S. Choi, Ph.D., the ceremony will bring together more than 45 years of American history, including military, first responders and civilians as reflected on the two memorial walls.

Several other events will also take place while the walls are on display:

• Thursday, July 18 at 7 p.m. - Bridging the Gap
(A ceremony honoring both U.S. and South Vietnamese Veterans)

• Friday, July 19 at 7 p.m. - POW/MIA Tribute and Candle Lighting Ceremony
(Attendees are encouraged to wear a RED shirt to “Remember Every Deployed”)

• Saturday, July 20 at 10 a.m. - Welcome and Gratitude Ceremony
(Ceremony brings together 45 years of American history, including military, first responders and civilians as reflected on the two memorial walls)

• Sunday, July 21 at 6 p.m. - Closing and Honor Walk of Flags Ceremony

The Wall That Heals is the only traveling replica that is directly affiliated with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Wall tours communities throughout the United States, allowing the souls enshrined on the Memorial to exist once more among family and friends in the peace and comfort of familiar surroundings.

The Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance memorializes the two million veterans and civilians involved in the Global War on Terror.

Anyone attending these events is welcome to wear any attire they feel appropriate, including their uniform. 

For more information, call 949-724-6606. For daily event listings and photos, visit cityofirvine.org/memorialwalls.

The Wall that Heals: Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Irvine Honors all Vietnam Veterans by Bill Tidwell