June’s Lakeland Chamber Luncheon meeting saw notable attendees from the American Legion, with Bob Buntyn, the District Vice Commander, making a significant announcement regarding an upcoming event. Buntyn officially informed attendees about the arrival of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall® which will be making a stop in Lakeland this August.
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall® is a part of the Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard (V V B), a 501(c)(3) organization based in Brevard County, Florida. Established in December 1985, the V V B supports veterans through various initiatives, including a color guard, a rifle team for local events, and a transitional housing facility to aid veterans in regaining independence.
The Wall, which is a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., stands six feet tall at its center and spans nearly 300 feet in length. This Traveling Memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. It was created to promote healing, rekindle friendships, and provide an opportunity for individuals to honor loved ones without traveling to the nation’s capital.
Lakeland will host the Wall at the former site of the Econo Lodge, the future location of the YMCA Lakeland Recreation Center, located at 9822 Huff N Puff Rd. The Wall will be transported from Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson in Southaven, MS, at 10 AM on August 22nd. It will be set up that day and will be available for viewing until Monday, August 25th.
For more information on the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, please visit travelingwall.us.
