Update: Candlelight vigil draws hundreds to Vietnam Moving Wall

Update: 

A candlelight vigil on Sunday night drew a big crowd, according to Eastside Memorial Park owner Nadia Sandoval.

“We had about 300 people for the BBQ and pinned and welcomed home all of our Vietnam Veterans who were in attendance for the candlelight vigil,” she said. “We also honored the eight women nurses who are on the wall by laying a wreath, as well.”

Even more people turned out for Friday morning's opening ceremony for The Moving Wall at Eastside Memorial Park in Minden.

The half-sized replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. arrived in Carson Valley on Thursday.

“To have the traveling wall allows other people to experience those things, to have feelings to have comradery, to really have a life-changing experience,” said Reno attorney and Vietnam Era veteran Larry K. Dunn. “So what does the wall mean to me? It was life changing and it continues to be life changing.”

Hundreds of people turned out for Friday morning's opening ceremony for The Moving Wall at Eastside Memorial Park in Minden.

The half-sized replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. arrived in Carson Valley on Thursday.

Friday’s observance included a flyover by a World War II Stearman biplane from the Commemorative Air Force High Sierra Squadron.

It wrapped up with a three-volley salute and Taps from the Nevada Veterans Coalition.

Previous Story

The Vietnam Moving Wall arrived at Eastside Memorial Park with a motorcycle escort on Thursday morning.

“After the escort this morning I’m feeling quite overwhelmed by all the people who are here,” said Eastside Vice President Nadia Sandoval. “It’s amazing to see the turnout and I know it’s going to get bigger as the week goes along.”

This is the second time the Moving Wall has been to Eastside in the last half-dozen years. Sandoval said she requested its return nearly a year ago.

“Because they had such a wonderful experience last time they came, they said any time you want it we’ll be back to Minden,” she said. “Luckily we were able to get the Memorial Day weekend slot, which is a wonderful time to remember.”

In addition to a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle escort, dozens of motorcyclists and supporters accompanied the move from the Carson Valley Inn to Eastside, with Sandoval in a sidecar.

“We’re super excited to host it and to have some more healing for our Vietnam vets and for those who can’t go to Washington D.C. to see a half replica here in their own community.”

The wall will be available to visit 24 hours a day through 7 a.m. Tuesday.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday and will feature a flyover by a yellow World War II Stearman biplane trainer.

A barbecue is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday with a candlelight vigil at 9:30 p.m. Closing ceremonies are on 7 p.m. Memorial Day.

A Memorial Day Service has been organized in the Genoa Cemetery starting 10 a.m. with the Douglas High School Jr. ROTC presenting the colors, former Vietnam POW Larry Friese is the guest speaker.

East Fork Fire Protection District is sending a bagpiper to perform Taps,” Organizer Maggie Tracey said. Genoa resident Marian Vassar and friends are singing.

The service is sponsored by Capitol Unit 4 of the American Legion Auxiliary in cooperation with the Genoa Cemetery Association. 

For more information, contact Tracey at maggie_tracey@hotmail.com, Chris Ritger at hbfergie@yahoo.com.