Vietnam Moving Wall Coming to Solon: Learn How You Can Help

Solon residents will have a chance this summer to pay their respects to the 58,272 who gave their lives in Vietnam.

The Vietnam Moving Wall, a half-size but exact replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C., is coming to Solon this July. It will be set up at VFW Post 1863 on Melbury Avenue.

The wall will be on display starting July 26 and will depart on July 30. The wall will be open to the public 24-hours a day.

"The person who started this wall realized not everyone would be able to get to D.C. to see the memorial," said Thomas Bulanda, a Vietnam Veteran and local VFW leader who is helping organize the visit. "It’s an opportunity for us to pay homage for those who gave everything for the civil liberites and everything else we enjoy in this country."

Bulanda said there will be ceremonies during the wall's visit and that they are seeking volunteers to help read the 58,272 names carved into the wall. He said they plan to read all of the names before the wall departs.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Post 1863 is seeking donations and volunteers to support the effort. The VFW has to pay to bring the wall to Solon. The post also needs volunteers to help with a number of activities, especially reading the names.

TO DONATE: Send to: VFW Post 1863, 6340 Melbury Avenue, Solon, OH 44139. Donors will be recognized in the program.

TO VOLUNTEER: You can call Bulanda at 440-477-0003, call the VFW Post at 440-349-1863 or just stop by during business hours. You can also contact the VFW at the website.

Editor's Note: This article was first published June 5, but we wanted to help spread the word so we are re-featuring it!