Sure to evoke emotions will be the first event. The Moving Wall, completed in 1984, is a half-size replica of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, which pays tribute to the nearly 58,000 Americans who died in the Vietnam War. On Thursday, June 19, The Moving Wall will arrive in Elgin and be set up on the open lot behind Elgin Public Library.
Opening ceremonies for The Moving Wall will be at 5 p.m. Thursday evening. Immediately afterwards, a reception will be held at the KC Hall.
The Wall will be guarded continuously during its stay in Elgin, being lit up at night for those wishing to view it after dark. Anyone wishing to help guard “The Moving Wall” should contact Ray Payne at The Station.
A book will be available on site to help locate specific names on The Wall.
It will leave Elgin on the morning of Monday, June 23.
Sponsors for The Moving Wall are Elgin American Legion Post #229 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5816.
The Moving Wall has been touring the U.S. for almost 30 years and most recently was set up in Albion and Tilden. Legion Commander Gary Hoefer asks all persons who visit The Moving Wall to follow these rules. The Moving Wall is a place for the pubic to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by a generation of young men and women. Accordingly, no pets are allowed near The Moving Wall. Also, no food or drinks will be permitted on the property.
