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Vietnam “Moving Wall” memorial in Sault Ste. Marie this month

August 10, 2012 7:21 pm

SAULT STE MARIE, MI - People of the Eastern Upper Peninsula will have an opportunity to show honor and respect to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice when a portable replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial comes to Sault Ste. Marie August 24-27.

The lawn at City Hall will host “The Moving Wall” – a 253-foot memorial that bears the names of 58,272 soldiers, including approximately 1,300 who are still unaccounted for prisoners of war and missing in action. This visit of “The Moving Wall” is sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau and The Sault Events.

Beginning with opening ceremonies at 10am on Friday, August 24, the site will be open for visitors around the clock until the closing ceremonies at 10am on August 27.

74 frames make up the Moving Wall

“The Moving Wall” was originally conceived by three Vietnam veterans from California: John Devitt, Gerry Haver and Norris Shears. Devitt had attended the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC and wanted to “share the power and good” he had experienced by visiting the memorial, according to officials. Construction began in February of 1983 and was complete in October of 1984. “The Moving Wall” was paid for by contributions from the public. As of January, 2012, it had been displayed in 1,260 communities.

Linda Hoath, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the outpouring of support and volunteerism in anticipation of the memorial’s arrival has been remarkable. “It is truly a community effort to host the wall and we have been pleased by the number of groups and individuals willing to help. We are still in need of volunteers, but I am very thankful for the number of people who have come forward to participate in this meaningful event,” said Hoath.

For more information or to volunteer at this event, contact the Sault CVB at (906) 632-3366 or 800-647-2858. Area and lodging information can be found at SaultSteMarie.com