The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum hosted a parade and opening ceremony for the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall Friday. This is the second year that the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall has come to Monroe and is the 30th anniversary of the real Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC.
The opening ceremony kicked things off with the first Veterans Day parade. Both veterans and current serving military personnel participated in the parade, which included a variety or present and past military vehicles.
The parade was attended by many students from Monroe City and Ouachita Parish Schools, veterans and their families and other members of the community. The procession ended in front of the Traveling Wall, which was situated in the yard behind the Chennault Museum.
After the parade ended, an opening ceremony for the Traveling Wall was held. Some of the highlighted speakers during the ceremony included Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo, State Rep. Jay Morris and Sammy Davis, a former U.S. Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient.
Also in attendance were Miss Louisiana Lauren Vizza, George Patton Waters, grandson of WWII general George Patton, and Ron Griggs, a Silver Star recipient.
The speeches given during the ceremony revolved around remembering and honoring those who served in the past and remembering their sacrifices for the future. Davis expressed why he believed it is important for the younger generations to experience the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall.
“[It is important] so it will help them understand why we, as veterans, come to the wall to honor our brothers. If the young people don’t come, they will never have that understanding. So I encourage them to come out and be a part of it, and then they will understand why we honor them,” said Davis.
After the speeches of the opening ceremony, Ron Griggs, with the help of West Monroe High School JROTC, placed a wreath by the wall, officially dedicating and opening the memorial.
Nell Calloway, director of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, talked about the importance of Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall exhibit.
“It’s so special,” said Calloway. “Going to Washington is one thing. Seeing the wall in Washington, but having it in your own turf, there’s something that makes it even more personal, and I think that’s why the veterans come out.”
The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall is open to the public until Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum.
