RICHMOND HILL –  On Thursday, June 12, 2008 the city along with local veteran organizations and local military welcomed the arrival of The Moving Wall.  The Moving Wall was open to the public, 24-hours a day, from June 12-June 16, 2008. The American Legion, J.E. Lanier Post 27 and the City of Richmond Hill collaborated this presentation of The Moving Wall in J.F. Gregory Park. 

The Moving Wall visit provided an opportunity for healing to veterans, their families and friends of those who died or are missing in Vietnam, especially those who may not have had the opportunity to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. The mobile exhibit helped to educate the community about the war in Vietnam, its impact on our nation and our veterans, and allowed others to pay their respects to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms and way of life.

"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for more than 20 years. When Vietnam veteran John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington. The Moving Wall went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Currently two exhibits of The Moving Wall are now traveling the country from April through November, spending about a week at each site.

During The Moving Wall’s five-day visit, volunteers and in-kind sponsors provided a variety of services and products.  Donations were sought to fund this important endeavor.  Additionally, many volunteers were needed to:

• Help make visits more personal, meaningful, and comfortable

• Provide comfort and emotional support to visitors

• Help visitors find names on The Moving Wall using the directories or computer

• Make name rubbings or help visitors make name rubbings

• Answer questions about The Moving Wall, the Wall in DC, or other events

• Help maintain a quiet, solemn, mood near The Moving Wall

• Help keep the area clean

The Moving Wall was brought to Richmond Hill through the hard work and dedication of American Legion Post 27, the City of Richmond Hill, the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber of Commerce, Bryan County Commissioners, and local volunteers serving on The Moving Wall committee. 

For information please contact Kittie Franklin at (912) 756-3444 or email mailto:kfranklin@coastalnow.net or the city (912) 756-6459. Check out the Bryan County News and the Savannah Morning News for past articles:

6/13/2088   Moving Wall Arrives in Richmond Hill Led by Motorcycle Escort By Jamie Parker

6/13/2008   Two Local Families Find 'Homecoming' in the Wall by Ross Blair

6/13/2008   Wall in "Freedom Park" by Ross Blair

6/11/2008   Veterans Momorial to Visit Richmond Hill by Allison Bennett Dyche

6/11/2008   The Moving Wall Set to Arrive Thursday by Ross Blair

5/07/2008   Vietnam Vets Tribute Coming in Mid-June by Ross Blair

2/29/2008   Moving Vietnam Tribute Coming   by Ross Blair

2/14/2008   Richmond Hill aims to be stop for Mobile Vietnam Veterans Wall   by Allison Bennett Dyche