Vietnam Veteran and Gold Star Family Recognition Ceremony

Description

The Wall That Heals, a replica and mobile education center for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. will be on display from July 19th thru July 22nd on the Gardiner Common, 2 Dresden Avenue in Gardiner. Open to the public both day and night throughout the visit, The Wall will serve as a place of reflection and remembrance for both veterans and their families. While The Wall That Heals is on display, the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services will be hosting a Vietnam Veteran & Gold Star Family Recognition Ceremony on Friday, July 20th. All Vietnam Veterans and Gold Star Families are encouraged to attend to be recognized for their service and sacrifice to our community, state and country. Vietnam Veterans wishing to attend should register through this page and contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services to ensure we have a copy of your DD214. Veterans who RSVP will be presented with a Certificate of Appreciation, a Vietnam Veteran Coin, and a 50th Anniversary Lapel Pin. Similiarly, Gold Star Family members should register for the event and will be presented with a Certificate of Appreciation, a Lapel Pin, and Gold Star Medal honoring both the family and their Vietnam Veteran. If you are a Vietnam Veteran who would like to be recognized, or if you have a friend or loved one that should be recognized for their service, please contact: Melissa Willette at melissa.willette@maine.gov or 207-430-6035. Event Schedule: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 Motorcycle and Antique Automobiles escort of the wall from Chelsea Town Office & Elementary School 560 Togus Road Chelsea, Me to Gardiner Common 2 Dresden Ave. Gardiner, Me. Escort will leave Town Office at 4:00 pm. Traveling Rt 226 to Rt 17 through the Veterans Administration, Togus Medical Center. Escort will stop at the VA Togus Medical Center for a Blessing of the Wall and our Veterans. Once blessed, escort will travel back to Rt 226 through Chelsea, Randolph and Gardiner. All M/C Clubs, Groups, and Individuals are welcomed to help escort the Wall and pay tribute to our Vietnam Veterans, Fallen Warriors and their Families. This will be a Kennebec County Sheriff and Gardiner Police escorted ride. Clubs and Groups please arrive at Chelsea Town Office and form together if you want to ride together. Estimated arrival at the Gardiner Common will be 5:00 pm. Thursday, July 19, 2018 10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony 7:30 p.m. In alphabetical order, reading of 117 of the 341 names of Mainers listed A through E who are on “The Wall that Heals” followed by Taps 8:00 p.m. Music by Karen Biser Friday, July 20, 2018 6:00 p.m. Welcoming Home Celebration 7:30 p.m. In alphabetical order, reading of 115 of the 341 names of Mainers listed F through M who are on “The Wall that Heals” followed by Taps 8:00 p.m. Candlelight Vigil, music by The Don Roak & Friends Band Saturday, July 21, 2018 Open Day for Reflection 7:30 p.m. In alphabetical order, reading of 109 of the 341 names of Mainers listed N through Y who are on “The Wall that Heals” followed by Taps Sunday, July 22, 2018 1:00 Inter-Faith Service on the Common, Music by Paul Tobey Band Location & Transportation: Parking lots, street parking, public disability parking areas are available throughout the Gardiner Common location. Buses will be provided for Friday’s Welcoming Home Celebration and Saturday. For questions about The Wall That Heals, or the above event schedule, please contact Billie Ellis at 207-530-3604 or bellis264@aol.com.