September 21, 2009

“THE WALL THAT HEALS” TO VISIT SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY

 
Bowling Green, KY – The Wall That Heals, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be visiting South Central Kentucky September 24 – 27, 2009. Open and manned 24 hours a day, The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial is being brought to Bowling Green by Aviation Heritage Park and will be set up at the park located at 1825 Three Springs Road (the corner of Three Springs and Smallhouse Roads) in Bowling Green.
 
The Wall and accompanying museum will arrive in Bowling Green September 22, escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders of Kentucky motorcycle club and led by a specially equipped and custom-painted Harley-Davidson that was donated and travels with The Wall. The special lead motorcycle will be ridden by Max Hurst, a former Marine and Vietnam veteran from Bowling Green. Hurst, who was discharged in 1969 returns home 40 years later to escort The Wall.

Hurst, who now lives in Louisville, TN, said, “I have never been able to visit the memorial in Washington but am incredibly honored to have been asked to ride the lead bike for its visit to Bowling Green.”  The parade will leave Smiths Grove, KY at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday and proceed South on I-65 to Bowling Green, exiting onto Cemetery Road, traveling around the square in downtown Bowling Green and out Scottsville Road.  

An opening ceremony for The Wall exhibit is scheduled for Thursday, September 24^th at 10:00 a.m. The five branches of the United States military will be represented at the event with Major General Donald Campbell speaking. Special guests will include Hung Trinh representing the Vietnamese community and Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Don Jenkins of Butler County.

The closing ceremony will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 27^th and will feature Bowling Green’s Dr. Jerry Martin, a Vietnam War veteran, delivering an address he wrote and delivered at the Vietnam Veterans Monument in Washington, D.C. entitled “Reflections at the Wall.” The names of the South Central Kentucky soldiers that are recorded on The Wall will be read during the candlelight service and be followed by a three-rifle volley fired by the Simpson County Honor Guard and the playing of Taps by U.S.M.C veteran Malcomb Cherry. 

In addition to The Wall That Heals and the Traveling Museum, the board of directors of Aviation Heritage Park has ordered 17 inscribed bricks for Warren County veterans killed in action in Vietnam who have not already been so honored. The bricks will be installed in the side yard of the Warren County Courthouse in a special brick-laying ceremony on September 25.

On Veterans Day 1996, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund unveiled the half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., designed to travel to communities throughout the United States.
 
“Bringing The Wall Home” to communities throughout our country allows the souls enshrined on the Memorial to exist, once more, among family and friends in the peace and comfort of familiar surroundings. The traveling exhibit, known as The Wall That Heals, allows the many thousands of veterans who have been unable to cope with the prospect of “facing The Wall” to find the strength and courage to do so within their own communities, thus allowing the healing process to begin.
 
The Wall That Heals also features a Traveling Museum and Information Center providing a comprehensive educational component to enrich and complete visitors’ experiences. The Museum chronicles the Vietnam War era and the unique healing power of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, while the Information Center serves as a venue for people to learn about friends and loved ones lost in the war.
 
“It is expensive and takes many volunteer man-hours to erect, man and disassemble The Wall,” according to AHP’s Ray Buckberry. “Any individual or group who can help with either the financial or manning needs of The Wall is asked to contact AHP at 270-842-4953 or via e-mail at r.buckberry@insightbb.com,” he said.

To learn more about other significant military sites and attractions, consider Bowling Green’s ‘Salute and Stay’ themed itinerary by calling the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-326-7465.

 
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Media Resources Contact: Tim Hurst
Phone: 270-678-1032
e-mail: tim@thursts.com