A half-scale model of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., will make its way to central Iowa next week. The Wall That Heals will be escorted from Big Barn Harley-Davidson, located on the corner of I-80 and NW 2nd St. in Des Moines, on Tuesday to Iowa Speedway. At approximately 2 p.m., the 250-foot replica will begin to make its way to Newton for the multi-day Iowa Grand Motorcycle Rally, July 25-28.
“We are extremely honored and humbled that The Wall That Heals will be on display at the Iowa Grand Motorcycle Rally,” Iowa Speedway CEO Doug Fritz said. “We have a memorial ride planned, along with several other military tributes throughout the rally. Honoring veterans is one of the best things we can do as a society, so we invite everyone out to see this moving memorial and be a part of the escort ride to Iowa Speedway.”
Emcee of the Iowa Grand Motorcycle Rally, Jay Allen, shared his thoughts on the traveling memorial, too.
“For area riders, this is a special opportunity and may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a member of an escort like this,” Allen said. “We welcome all riders to meet at Big Barn Harley-Davidson to join NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace, Chairman of Iowa Speedway Conrad Clement, Newton Mayor Chaz Allen and myself for this event. It truly will be an experience you’ll never forget.”
Tuesday’s display of The Wall That Heals is the first appearance of this Vietnam Memorial Wall replica in central Iowa. The memorial will open on Wednesday at Iowa Speedway, and will be dedicated on Thursday at noon. The popular Wall memorial is supported by private contributions, which may be donated by visiting www.vvmf.org.
The Rolling Thunder XXV commemorative bikes, built by world famous motorcycle builders, will be on display as part of the military tribute installation at the rally. Renowned builder Dave Perewitz will lead a military tribute ride to the National Motorcycle Museum on Friday morning, July 27. S&S Cycle Tribute to the Troops will accompany the dedicating ceremony on Thursday and closing ceremony on Saturday.
Additional information and event tickets are available at www.iowagrandrally.com and www.facebook.com/iowagrandmotorcyclerally, or by calling 1-866-787-8946. Early bird pricing: $75 for 4-day pass includes free tent camping (offer ends July 24th). Self-contained RV camping is an additional $50. Day passes and other camping are also available.