McMinnville will soon be the temporary home of a solemn tribute to fallen heroes. According to a post by the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, the Oregon Veterans Memorial Traveling Wall, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is set to be displayed at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum this Friday, March 28th, starting at 1 pm. The event falls just ahead of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, acknowledged on March 29 to remember the date back in 1973 when the last combat troops returned from Vietnam and American POWs were repatriated.
Before the ceremony kicks off, a procession, set to begin at 9 am, will escort the Wall from Salem to McMinnville. Alongside the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, the American Legion Riders and other local agencies are slated to partake in this commemorative ride. After the ceremony, the Wall will stand open freely for public viewing, both during the day and at night, until Sunday morning at the aviation museum.
The Oregon Memorial Traveling Wall serves as a tangible connection to the men and women who gave their lives in various conflicts, representing far more than just the black granite it mimics. Built and maintained by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 805 located in Roseburg, Oregon, the Wall honors those lost not only in Vietnam but also in Panama, Beirut, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Its six panels, stretching 24 feet in width and rising 8 feet tall, bear the weighty names of the fallen, a poignant reminder to museum goers and passersby alike of the ultimate sacrifice in service.
While Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum has prepared to properly display this replica, the community is encouraged to join together to reflect and to honor the memories that are inherently etched into the panels. The Oregon Veterans Memorial Traveling Wall represents a living commitment to never forget those who fought and to continuously pay homage to those brave souls. The dedication of Chapter 805 ensures that the wall doesn't just stand as a static symbol but rather is updated annually to acknowledge all service members who have paid the ultimate price for freedom.
