ASHLAND — The Vietnam Memorial Wall is coming to Ashland on Aug. 2 in conjunction with the annual Veterans Appreciation Day on Aug. 5.
The Vietnam Tribute Wall presents the names of over 58,000 men and women who lost their lives in the service of their country during the Vietnam War.
“It’s a healing wall that will be a very meaningful tribute to all veterans,” said Greg Gorrell, a Vietnam War veteran from Ashland.
“Many of our veterans and their families are unable to travel to Washington, D.C. to visit the actual wall, and it is on their behalf that we bring the wall to them,” said Pam Mowry, the event’s organizer.
Accompanying the wall will be assistants who will help visitors locate the names of loved ones on the wall’s panels.
Visitors may view the wall at the Ashland County Airport 24 hours a day following the opening ceremony at 5 p.m. on Aug. 3.
The wall will be the prime feature of the Ashland Veterans Appreciation Day on Aug. 5 with the opening ceremony happening at 11 a.m.
It will remain at the airport until the 3 p.m. closing ceremony on Aug. 6.
The appreciation day, opening and closing ceremonies are free to the public. There will be other displays as well.
Veterans and nonveterans are encouraged to come with their families and guests.
“For some, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness and feel the significance of this remarkable time in our history,” Gorrell said.
The wall will be brought to Ashland along Claremont Avenue on Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. Those who would like to salute the wall are encouraged to greet the procession along its route.
Tribute wall and Veterans Appreciation Day schedule
Aug. 2: Escort of wall from Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield to Ashland County Airport. Form up at Reformatory at 4 p.m. Escort to depart at 5 p.m. Travel on State Route 545 to U.S. 30 East. Exit on State Route 42 North. Exit onto Claremont Avenue in Ashland. Travel Claremont Avenue to Main Street. East on Main Street to State Route 43 North. Exit onto airport road and proceed to the airport.
Aug. 3: Wall opening ceremony at 5 p.m. Colors presented by the U.S. Air Force Color Guard. Guest speakers and Chaplain with Grand Marshalls.
Aug. 4: Traveling Tribute Wall open all day.
Aug. 5: Traveling Tribute Wall open all day in conjunction with Veterans Appreciation Day 10th Anniversary.
11 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
12-12:15 p.m. – Complimentary Cookout
1-1:45 p.m. – Ken Hammontree
2 p.m. – The Rat Pack
4 p.m. – The Stan Davis Quintet
7-9:15 p.m. – The Bottom Line Band
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks
Aug. 6: Open till 3 p.m. Closing ceremony will be conducted by Chaplain Whitmore, with flag fold by the Ashland Honor Guard.