American Legion brings Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to jetBlue Park Sept. 7-8

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 22, 2019) – Peace, honor, remembrance. Those emotions and so many others are stirred for visitors to The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The mobile exhibit honors service members of the U.S. armed forces who died in the Vietnam War and those who were unaccounted for during the war, bringing the experience of the iconic Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington to a wider audience. The Rabe O. Wilkison American Legion Post 38 and the Colonial Charitable Foundation are teaming to bring the exhibit to jetBlue Park on Sept. 7-8 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a three-fifth scale of the national memorial, standing 6 feet tall at the center and covering about 300 feet from end to end. The names of over 58,000 valiant service members who gave their lives or remain missing are etched into the traveling monument.
Visitors can see their reflection among the engraved names as they approach the glossy black granite, a feature meant to symbolically bring the past and present together. They will be able to take a piece of paper, place it over a name and rub a wax crayon or graphite pencil over it to create a memento of their loved ones.
The exhibit helps veterans and family members who have been unable to visit the Vietnam Memorial in Washington connect with the strength and courage they need to do so within their own communities. It’s a chance to heal, rekindle friendships and educate newer generations.
The landscape around the traveling wall is designed to be open and approachable, with tranquil spaces where visitors can gather their thoughts. There will be fresh flowers, a reflection tent and benches placed at the periphery of the memorial, all spaces designed to promote healing.
Visit travelingwall.us to see photos of the mobile exhibit and go to centennial.legion.org to find out about other events marking the American Legion’s 100th anniversary this year.
About The American Legion Post 38
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. Months later, on Sept. 5, 1919, Post 38 in Fort Myers became the first American Legion post in southern Florida. Named the Rabe O. Wilkison Post after a Fort Myers man who lost his life bravely fighting in World War I, the organization welcomes veterans from all branches of the U.S. armed forces to continue serving God, country and community. Members seek to serve the underserved by raising money to award scholarships to Southwest Florida children, giving aid and assistance to veterans in need, and supporting a number of other community programs and projects. Visit post38-swfl.org to learn how to join.
About Colonial Charitable Foundation
The Mission of the Colonial Charitable Foundation is to support local charities, programs and individuals in the greater Fort Myers and Lee County area that may not be served by other organizations. The Foundation is funded through the generous support of the Colonial Country Club community and other local individuals and businesses.