Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Arrives in Oak Island

A 244-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the most visited monument in our nation's capital, has arrived in Oak Island just in time for the America's birthday weekend. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall received an honorable escort into town, thanks to volunteers with The Warrior Ride and The North Carolina Patriot Guard.

Southern Brunswick County is home to the 4th of July Festival, held annually in Southport. The quaint coastal town is just about 12 miles from Oak Island, making the arrival of this monument an added draw for 50,000+ visitors and veterans who are expected to pass through the area this week.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall opens today, July 2, and will remain in Oak Island until Monday, July 6th.The public is welcome to view the wall, for free, at Middleton Park 24 hours a day. The wall is 3/5 the scale of the permanent monument in Washington, DC; with names listed alphabetically by date of death. Volunteers will be on had day and night to assist with locating names of the departed.

Official press materials describe the Traveling Memorial as "a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. It was made for the purpose of helping heal and rekindle friendships and to allow people the opportunity to visit loved ones in their home town who otherwise may not be able to make the trip to Washington."