March 28, 2024

Volunteers needed for ‘The Wall That Heals’ May visit to Newton

An informational/volunteer meeting for those interested in assisting with the “The Wall That Heals” Vietnam traveling memorial is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the American Legion Post 111, 1101 W. Fourth St. S. in Newton.

The Jasper County Vietnam Vets will be guarding the wall from sunset to sunrise each evening from April 30 to May 5. Volunteers are needed to help visitors locate names on the wall, set up and tear down, provide access to and from the wall, escort the wall to Maytag Park, answer general questions and more.

“The Wall That Heals” exhibition features a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.  It is approximately 250 feet in length and, like the original memorial, is erected in a chevron-shape. The replica is constructed of powder-coated aluminum, supported by an aluminum frame and is made up of 24 individual panels, each containing six columns of names. The panels join together to form a nearly 250-foot-wide structure.

During the hour-long informational meeting, Steve Bookout will be available to take orders for his book “The Boys from Jasper County, Tales from The Nam.” For more information, email jasperhonorflight@yahoo.com.