News

September 14, 2016

City of Albany to host the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall this week in Washington Park

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans and The City of Albany will host the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall in historic Washington Park from September 15 to 19. Opening ceremonies will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 15. Beginning at 11 a.m., the names of the fallen will be read continuously until 6 a.m. on September 19. The Memorial will be located at the east side of Washington Park near the intersection of Willett & Hudson, and open to public viewing 24 hours a day during its visit to Albany. Volunteers will be available to assist anyone in need throughout the Memorial’s visit.

The Traveling Wall is a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC, standing six feet tall at the center and covering almost 300 feet from end to end. Traveling the country, this Memorial stands as a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. It was made for the purpose of helping heal and rekindle friendships and to allow people the opportunity to visit loved ones in their hometown who otherwise may not be able to make the trip to Washington.

“The Memorial’s last stop in Albany was 28 years ago, ” said Joe Pollicino, President of Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans, the local non-profit that coordinated the memorial’s visit. “In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, we are proud to recognize the service and sacrifice of our fellow veterans by having the Traveling Wall return.”

“It’s a way to honor the sacrifices of veterans and their families, and I look forward to working with our local veterans organizations as we remember and reflect on their service,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to assist with the reading of names or to help with other daily activities can visit www.tccvev.com to register.

For more information or to donate to the Memorial visit, contact TCCVEV at 518-465-6829 or mail to:

Tri County Council Vietnam Era Veterans
PO Box 11100
Albany, NY 12211