Replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall coming to Plymouth starting Sept. 11
PLYMOUTH – There’s nothing (mostly) left to do but wait for the wall to arrive – and spread the word that it’s coming.
On Wednesday, the organizing group behind efforts to bring a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to Plymouth met at Plymouth City Hall for the last time.
The replica wall, 80 percent the size of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, will arrive at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, in Lapaz and will receive a “patriot escort” involving first responders to River Park Square in downtown Plymouth, according to Mike Boys, the chairman of the american Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall Committee.
The wall will be set up from 8 a.m. until noon Thursday, with viewing beginning immediately after the wall is complete.
The opening ceremony is at 7 p.m. Thursday
with a welcome address by Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter.
The Culver Military Academies will conduct a presentation of the colors and the academy’s choir will perform the national anthem.
Marshall Superior Court II Judge Dean Colvin will introduce the night’s keynote speaker, who hasn’t yet been named, according to the program.
Friday night is the Vietnam Veterans Honors Ceremony and begins at 7 p.m.
Again, Senter will give the evening’s welcome with the Marshall County Church Orchestra performing the national anthem.
The Maxinkuckee Singers will perform and Colvin will introduce the evening’s keynote speaker, Brig. Gen. David Vesper, Indiana National Guard deputy commander.
Saturday is First Responders Honor Ceremony night.
Senter will again provide the welcome and introduce the night’s keynote speaker, Marine Corps veteran Ren Vangilder.
The wall will be in River Park Square through 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15.
While the wall’s visit to Plymouth is sponsored by Plymouth American Legion Post 27, organizers said they hope veterans and their families throughout the area take part in the experience.
The Plymouth Farmers’ Market will continue on Saturday, Sept. 14, but it will be in the eastern portion of River Park Square.