Every day, visitors to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC leave mementos in remembrance of the loved ones they lost to the war. Traveling replicas provide that same opportunity in communities across the country.
Although the design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC was initially extremely controversial – critics called it the “black gash of shame” – the Wall has since become a place of healing for many Veterans of the Vietnam War.
Unfortunately, there are many Vietnam Veterans who are not able to travel to the nation’s capital to visit the memorial created in their honor. Numerous organizations have created replicas of the Wall and bring them to communities around the country, allowing Veterans and civilians alike to show their respect for those who fought and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“We’ve been looking forward to this day for some time. I think it will give me some closure to some of the things that’s been building up in me for years,” Jim Brown, a Vietnam Veteran, said when The Wall that Heals paid a visit to Blue Springs, MO. “I’m glad to have my grandkids here to see it, and that they’ll get educated on the way the war really was – not just the political – but the way it was for the people involved in it.”
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund released footage from a visit of the organization’s The Wall that Heals to Blue Springs.
Photo by Jnn13.
Every Veterans Day, citizens around the nation gather to honor the men and women who served their nation – and many national chains are joining in. In the days leading up to Veterans Day, many restaurants and retail stores are offering discounts or free meals to Veterans and active-duty service members.
Veterans must bring some sort of identification proving that they served in the armed forces. It is also advisable to call ahead and make sure that the restaurant or store is participating.
For more information and a list of the establishments offering Veterans Day discounts, please visit http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/#ixzz1d1kZU3W9.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition host Ty Pennington will commemorate Veterans Day with a special dedicated to helping those who have served in our Armed Services.: Photo by Flickr user Patrishe
ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will celebrate Veterans’ Day 2011 by airing a special fundraising episode on Friday, November 11th. The hour-long special will air at 8 pm EST and will focus on the many issues facing Veterans and their families.
Jewel, who will co-host the episode with regular host and carpenter-extraordinaire Ty Pennington, is also planning a musical performance as well.
“We want everyone to pitch in,” she said in a statement. “We don’t want the veterans to feel forgotten. Through their struggles, illness, post-traumatic stress disorder and a tough economy, we’re here to let them know they’re still supported.”
Celebrities will encourage viewers to donate to Veteran-focused charities and programs and will also man the phones. Those celebrities participating include: Whoppi Goldberg, George Lopez, Rachel Ray and others, including several major league baseball players.
Contributions will go to the Fisher House Foundation, Hire Heroes USA, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, USO, Volunteers of America and Welcome Back Veterans.
