Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010
Traveling Vietnam memorial two years in the making
Miranda Wycoff, Journal Staff
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It’s been two years in the making, and at the end of this month Blue Springs will finally see the results.
On Sept. 30 The Wall that Heals will be in Blue Springs. The traveling Vietnam memorial is expected to bring 75,000 people, or more, through Pink Hill Park, 2715 N.W. Park Drive, Sept. 30 – Oct. 3.
“We were told this will be one of the most attended and largest exhibitions,” said Eleanor Frasier, one of the event’s organizers.
Frasier said the exhibit brings in tens of thousands of people on its own, but because the city is planning several speakers and exhibits to go along with the traveling memorial, The Wall that Heals officials expect the crowd in Blue Springs to be bigger.
While the schedule isn’t specifically set for the three days The Wall that Heals will be in Blue Springs, Frasier and Blue Springs Public Information Officer Kim Nakahodo said events will include a parade, an education center, speakers, Veteran’s of Foreign Wars representatives and tokens of appreciation for all Vietnam era veterans who pass through the exhibit.
Activities leading up to the event begin Tuesday with a parade as the 18-wheel trailer carries the exhibit to Pink Hill Park. Nakahodo said 150-500 members of the Patriot Guard, a group of bikers who attend funerals of fallen soldiers and other events recognizing those who have served their country, will lead the traveling wall from Concordia to Pink Hill Park. Nakahodo said she estimates the parade will be in Blue Springs by 1:30 p.m., although exact times will be released closer to the event.
The Wall will be erected on the south field at Pink Hill Park and at 7 a.m. Sept. 30, the opening ceremony will begin.
The wall will be available for public viewing 24 hours a day through Oct. 3.
In addition to programs and speakers at the wall, an education area will be set up in the north field. The education area will include Vietnam era military equipment and informational booths about the war from organizations like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, among others.
“We want to try and bring information to the youth and the generation before who may not know too much about Vietnam,” Frasier said.
Additionally, each Vietnam-era veteran will receive a token of appreciation from the Blue Springs The Wall that Heals committee.
While the actual exhibit cost $5,000 to bring to Blue Springs, although a city must be approved through a rigorous application process, the committee has raised more than $35,000 to put on the surrounding events. “We see it as an opportunity for the community to say thank you,” Frasier said.
Frasier said bringing the Wall that Heals was a combination of efforts, including those from the city, the Public Arts Commission, the school district, local veterans organizations, service organizations and local businesses.
“It’s really going to be a phenomenal experience,” Frasier said.
To reach Journal reporter Miranda Wycoff, call 816-282-7017, or e-mail mwycoff@ bluespringsjournal.com
