Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
A solemn memorial commemorating the Vietnam War will arrive in Callahan Thursday.
The almost 300-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. will be on display at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds through Sunday. It serves as a memorial to the 58,000 men and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
The Town of Hilliard and VFW Post 10095 have joined forces to bring this replica of a significant piece of American history to Nassau County. The idea came alive two years ago after the wall was mentioned to Alicia Head, Hilliard public information officer and event coordinator. The event was approved by the Hilliard Town Council over a year ago. The Vietnam Voices Traveling Memorial Wall honors the service and sacrifice of veterans, including 12 men from Nassau County whose names are etched into the wall.
For many veterans, the Vietnam War remains a difficult chapter – often left unspoken due to the trauma of their experiences and how they were treated after returning to American soil.
“I hope that this serves as a welcome home that they never received when they originally came home,” said Head.
At the end of this year, the traveling wall will be decommissioned due to a shortage of volunteers and the aging Vietnam veteran community. That reality makes this stop in Nassau County especially meaningful.
This event holds deep significance for Head, as she will be sharing the experience with her grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, and her uncle, who helped return the remains of fallen soldiers to their families.
“(The wall) kinda has a personal meaning, but it’s still so much more than just me,” she said.
Bringing the wall to Nassau County is possible thanks to the support of local organizations and sponsors. The Northeast Florida Fair trustees donated the space, and additional support came from the Franklin family, Schwend Insurance Agency, Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, local banks, and many more.
“It didn’t make a difference to us if (the donations) were big or small, it was the thought that counts,” said Head. “It’s definitely been all hands on deck and everyone has been so helpful.”
The Vietnam Voices Traveling Memorial Wall will arrive in Nassau County Thursday, making its way through Callahan between 9:45 and 10:15 a.m. The community is encouraged to line the streets and show support as the parade escort, including veterans on motorcycles and local law enforcement, travels State Road 200 west and turns north on U.S. 1. On Friday, the wall will host school field trips from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for students from both Florida and Georgia.
Beginning at 4 p.m., the wall will open exclusively for elderly visitors, individuals with disabilities, and Gold Star families who may prefer a quieter, more reflective experience. The public is kindly asked to respect this dedicated time to ensure these individuals have the space and peace they need.
From 5-7 p.m., a veterans dinner will be held to honor Vietnam veterans, where vets can share their experiences with others who will truly understand. Preregistration is required. Dinner will be provided by Mission BBQ.
The opening ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, opening the wall to the public through the rest of the weekend. A Sunrise Easter service will be led by veteran and pastor Ed Sugzdinis at 7 a.m. Sunday and a candelight ceremony is at 8 p.m.
The wall will be disassembled Monday morning and return to Melbourne before it travels to another location for its next event. To learn more, visit the Vietnam’s Voices Facebook event page or the Town of Hilliard’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TownofHilliard.
“I hope to bring some kind of healing to our Vietnam veterans that have not even started that process,” Head said.
“I just hope with it being this easily accessible to them … that it brings a little bit of closure.”
reporter@nassau
countyrecord.com