WASHINGTON, D.C. – “The Moving Wall” a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is stopping by Elmira. We caught up with visitors on the National Mall who said visiting the Memorial is an emotional experience.
“It’s just an absolute great venue,” said Doug Rizor. Rizor is visiting from the southwest and he shares his experience stopping by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall.
“Reflect on those people that are here to see the people [names],” said Rizor. “I felt deeply for them and for the people that we knew that survived, we knew numerous and quite a few there that came back, thankfully.”
Built in 1982, the Memorial is shaped like a ‘V’ and it’s one of the most popular sites in D.C. Etched on the shiny black granite wall are the names of the more than 58-thousand men and women who died in combat or are listed as missing in action. Decades after the war, remains of American soldiers continue to be found in Vietnam and once they’re identified, a symbol by their name will be changed on this wall. It marks they’ve finally returned home after all these years.
Now people in the Elmira area don’t have to travel all the way to D.C. to see this in person. A half-sized replica of this Memorial, known as “The Moving Wall”, will be up for display in Elmira through July fourth.
Giving a chance for locals to read the names and reflect on this bloody war. Rizor describes visiting the site as an emotional experience and for many, visiting “The Moving Wall”, can be a healing experience, too.
“I’m awestruck by the whole environment,” said Rizor.
Click this link to find more information about visiting the moving wall in Elmira.