EAST PEORIA, Ill. — Area residents gathered Thursday, while observing facial covering and social distancing protocols, in East Peoria to attend the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall.
The wall arrived Wednesday morning, and it’s a 3/5-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
As of 2011, there are 58,272 names on the wall.
East Peoria Mayor John Kahl says the wall should serve as a reminder and to pay respects.
“I ask that these four days this wall is here in East Peoria, keep in mind it’s here for reflection, remembrance, and honor,” said Kahl.
“There are more than 58,000 names engraved of Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of this great nation. It should serve as a testament to the sacrifice, to their lives, and as a reminder that freedom never has been, nor will it ever be, free.”
Brigadier General Clayton Moushon recalled words by President Barack Obama on Memorial Day 2012, when Obama spoke of the Vietnam War.
“One of the most painful chapters in our history was Vietnam,” said Moushon, reciting Obama’s words. “Most particularly, how we treated our troops who served there.”
“You were often blamed for a war you did not start, when you should have been commended for service to your country and valor. You came home and were sometimes denigrated, when you should’ve been celebrated.”
Moushon said the wall should serve to honor those who fought in the Vietnam War.
Of the more than 58,000 names on the wall, 39,996 were 22 years old or younger. The largest group, 18-year-old, account for 33,103 names.
31 sets of brothers are on the wall, and 31 sets of parents lost two of their sons.
The wall will be on display in East Peoria until Sunday, with the closing ceremonies scheduled to be at noon.
The closing ceremony will be conducted by the Illinois National Guard’s Funeral Honors Team and will feature a 21-gun salute and retirement of the colors.
