The Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Tribute is Coming to Randolph
Posted: March 10, 2022
The last time the Moving Wall was in Morris County was 2004 when it was displayed in Jefferson Township. Nearly 20 years later it will be on display again in Randolph, NJ. VFW Post 7333 will be coordinating the Moving Wall event at the County College of Morris from Thursday, July 7 until Monday, July 11, 2022.
The Moving Wall is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, designed to be a traveling exhibit to honor and recognize the memory of those who died in service to their country during the Vietnam War. When John Devitt, a Vietnam veteran, attended the 1982 dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., he felt its power and vowed to share that experience with those who might not have the opportunity to visit it. Devitt, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver and other Vietnam veteran volunteers built the Moving Wall. It has now traveled the country for more than 30 years.
During a press conference on March 9, it was confirmed that Randolph would be the host municipality for the Moving Wall exhibit. The press conference, attended by Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, staff of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Randolph Mayor Marie Potter and more, was held at CCM in Randolph, where the Moving Wall will be set up. During the conference, VFW Post 7333 Vice Commander Bill Menzel received several proclamations in support of the event from Bucco, Dunn, Potter, and Morris County Commissioner John Krickus.
Menzel is grateful to see the Moving Wall is finally making its way back into Morris County. “Thanks to the efforts of State Senator Anthony Bucco and VFW members like Emerson Crooks and Jack Sassaman, we will be able to experience the Vietnam Wall and honor our fallen service members. Our goal is to help bring healing to veterans, families and friends who suffered through this divisive conflict. The Moving Wall additionally is intended to educate youth about the Vietnam War and its impact on the nation and veterans.”
Supporting organizations include Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America, Randolph Kiwanis Club, the Randolph Township Police Department, the Morris County Commission, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the American Red Cross, Lake Hopatcong Elks #782, Catholic Charities USA, Warriors’ Watch Riders and the NJ State Legislature.
The Moving Wall includes the names of 69 soldiers from Morris County and nine from the section covered by VFW Post 7333. The four-day event is expected to attract 30,000 visitors with over 20,000 printed copies of a program guide to be distributed, in addition to being accessible online. The cost to bring the wall to Morris County is being entirely funded by private donations and staffed by volunteers. If you are an individual or organization who wishes to support the Moving Wall by donating, volunteering or advertising in the program guide, please visit the VFW Post 7333 webpage.
For more information, call 973.945.8507 or e-mail Bill Menzel, Vice President of Randolph VFW Post 7333, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this e-mail address).
