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 Celebration Interim CEO Virgil Johnson (left) and Director Henry Hulan, III (right) make a presentation to Gene Williams to assist in bringing the Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Shelbyville this fall. (TWHNC Photo) [Click to enlarge] |
In 1982 John Devitt, a former helicopter door gunner and Army veteran, visited Washington, DC for the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and to participate in the National Salute to Vietnam Veterans. This visit and experience changed Devitt's life and led to the creation of the "Moving Wall," which has since moved millions of people.
The Moving Wall was first displayed in 1984 in Texas as part of the Tyler Rose Festival.
 The 'Moving Wall' (Submitted photo) [Click to enlarge] |
The wall contains the names of the 58,253 persons who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country during the Vietnam era, including 12 from Bedford County.
The local effort to bring the Moving Wall to Shelbyville is spearheaded by Gene Williams of the Shelbyville-Bedford County History Museum. Williams and the museum are accepting donations to help defray the costs of bringing the memorial to Shelbyville. The Celebration recently made a donation to the effort.
"These are the type of community projects we're so very proud to be part of," said Celebration Director Henry Hulan III. "Having the Moving Wall in our town is an honor and will have great meaning to all our citizens."
For more information or to make donations, contact Williams at 684-8359. For more information on the wall itself, log on to www.themovingwall.org .
My 1st trip to the wall was in 1994. I had put off going so many times before when I had a chance, and was determined not to back out this time. It was a Monday, clear blue WINDY day and about 20 degrees. Had the place all to myself almost. Just me and the guys.
I ended up standing there for 3 hours in that cold wind peering into that black granite, and it was as like they came to life on me again. I never could figure out where to put the guilt I carried with me for all those years, for me being here and them on that wall. I had been their Commanding Officer, had I let them down? They let me lay that guilt down that cold day in 1994, and things started to get better for me after that. I suppose there are many in the same boat as me, some of which have never been to DC. I know of a few personaly myself. So if by chance you happen to be one of those guys, you need to go see it.
I have never seen the moving wall, but you can bet I'll be seeing it this time!
I had the opportunity to volunteer to stand gaurd and assist people with locating names when the Moving Wall made a stop in Eagle River, AK. I recommend that anyone who has not visited the memorial in Washington D.C visit the moving wall. It is a moving experience (no pun intended).