by Adrian Banks
From 1965 to 1973, more than 58,000 Americans were killed during the Vietnam War. Of that number, 17 Carroll County residents were killed
in action.
One is still missing in action, and one was a prisoner of war. In 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, inscribed with the names of fallen soldiers, was erected in Washington, D.C.
From Oct. 9-13, the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, measuring 6 feet tall at its center and 300 feet from end to end, will be available for viewing at the New Windsor Fire Department grounds. Hosted by the New Windsor-based Babylon Vault Company, the memorial wall, which is administered by the Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard (VVB) of Brevard County, Florida, will be available for viewing at no charge.
Tammy Ray, marketing and community relations director at Babylon Vault Company, says the wall will arrive under the escort of the Patriot Guard Riders. This volunteer organization typically provides escort services for military funeral processions.
“Vietnam veterans find it difficult to speak of their time in service but are open to speak to another brother in arms,” Ray says.
Exhibition of the wall opens at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9. Former U.S. Marine and Vietnam veteran Oliver North is scheduled to speak at the opening event. Other exhibits and features will be available over the multi-day exhibition, including a tranquility tent specifically for Vietnam veterans.
“This tent will be a private space for them to begin their healing journey.” On Friday, Oct. 10, organizers will honor those impacted by the chemical known as “Agent Orange” by lighting the wall orange with 200 votive candles.
According to the National Institutes of Health, Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide, was used as a tactical strategy to destroy Vietnam’s food supply and reduce forest cover. The fallout from its application was immense, however, as the U.S. military used a concentrate 20 times stronger than the manufacturer’s recommendation, resulting in severe illnesses and diseases on both sides. The ceremony will also feature the Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, more commonly known as the “Huey,” which will also be illuminated in orange.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, several speakers will share their experiences as prisoners of war. These individuals include Everett Alvarez of Rockville, a U.S. Navy officer who endured the second-longest experience as a prisoner of war in American history.
Also scheduled to speak is John Fer, who was held in captivity for six years alongside former U.S. Sen. John McCain. Two hundred candles will be lit to honor them and other POWs and MIAs.
On Sunday, Oct. 12, closing ceremonies will feature two nurses: one of whom was in the field and another who identified POWs for the military. On Monday, Oct. 13, the wall will be on display until 11 a.m. “Taps” will play as the wall is packed up for transport to its next destination.
“The visit to the wall in D.C. can be daunting with the drive, parking and huge crowds,” Ray says. “Bringing the wall to Carroll County allows our Vietnam veterans within the county and beyond to visit in the peaceful, quiet rolling hills that many call home.”
