Announcements 26 Februry 2010
The Moving Wall just announced their 2010 schedule.
Please check out the 2010 schedule:
www.TheMovingWall.Org 2010 Wall Site Schedule
New photograph on James Herrick's page
25th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans' Moving Wall
In White Pine, Michigan, from July 16 through 19, 2009, The American Legion Post 462 sponsored the memorable event of Vietnam Combat Veterans
The Moving Wall 25th Anniversary.
The opening ceremony on Thursday evening, July 16, 2009 was a dignified gathering honoring the ten local heros who are on the Memorial.
It was a reunion for two of the remaining founders, John Devitt and Norris Shears and the rememberance of Gerry Haver when 27 years
ago the mobile memorial was an aspiration.
These three men, Joy Devitt, Aaron and Lisa Grey were all honored for their dedication and inspiration keeping our veterans alive in our thoughts and
hearts for all these incredible traveling years.
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Sarasota National Cemetery
In January 9, 2009, Sarasota opened a National Cemetery covering our veterans needs for a dignified, respectful and deserving
resting place in Florida's southern area. It is one of seven national shrines within Florida. The Department of Veterans
Affairs National Cemeteries, oversees 128 national cemeteries in 39 states
(including Puerto Rico).
Check their website at www.cem.va.gov
From Arlington National Cemetery across America on Saturday, December 12, 2009, the First Annual Holiday Wreath Laying Ceremony was held at the Sarasota
National Cemetery and all Federal Cemeteries from coast to coast. The ceremony commenced with wreaths being laid at every recipient's headstone and
Christmas music provided by the Sarasota Military Academy Band. After the Posting of Colors, the National Anthem by the Sarasota Military Academy Choir and the
Pledge of Allegiance and Retirement of Colors, there was the setting of the POW/MIA table with all military branch participating.
The guest speaker was Brigadier General(Retired Jerry L. Neff, there were Service Wreath presentation from each branch of Service and 3 POWs from WWII,
Korea and Vietnam under the American flag. The closing included TAPS, a 21-gun salute and a beautiful closing of Amazing Grace by the Sarasota Military
Academy Bagpipers.
Seeing all those beautiful red and green wreaths leaning up against the white marble was an inspirational remembrance of our loved ones highlighting
the season of peace and love.
Becoming a volunteer at the center, is such an incredible honor. I had the privilege of working on May 30, 2009, on the
"Official" Memorial Day along with other dedicated volunteers and an amazing Cemetery Staff who welcomed over 700 visitors
for our "first" official holiday ceremony. We are small now, but our area has 295 acres to grow. We are located 4.5 miles
from Interstate 75, east on State Road 72 and our toll free number is 877-861-9840.
For more information on eligibility, visit the www.va.gov Veteran Affairs website.
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Significant Updates "
First Army veteran killed in country -- Recently Harry G. Cramer III, son of Harry G. Cramer, the
original first Army veteran killed in country. He brought to my attention that some of the information was not reported accurately. He asked
if we could post the certified explanation which is now explained in detail. Also Mr. Cramer, along with Susan Welch, daughter of MIA
Robert Welch, recorded an emotional ballad about their fathers and other veterans on the Wall. The beautiful words were written by
sonttwgwriter, Joel Mabus.
Touch A Name. (TTW was granted permission to play this tribute on July 10, 2009).
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Operation Babylift -- NEW and very significant. This addition, although not being
directly connected to "The Memorial," it's founder Lana Noone has an amazing web site on an event impacting our departure
from Vietnam. The members who were involved in Operation Babylift and the children who were directly affected have an
incredible insight to this prominent time in our history. Her web site has some very recent updates and you really need to
read about Heather, Lana's daily inspiration.
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Touch the Wall Updated. the Repatriation chart is updated and reflects all of the
veterans brought home. Since the end of May 2009, the "unaccounted veterans" are now at 1742. We understand the concerns of
the families who believe there needs to be more commprehensive testing which concludes the results are error free. However, once the
POW/MIA Task Force releases their conclusions, we feel we should at least announce their results. New additions will be entered soon.
Only one veteran was added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington on Memorial Day 2009. He now has his rightful
place on "The Wall."
The Names added chart has been updated.(Names Added Chart).
Vietnam Dog Handlers - War Dog Memorial Information
Help For Family Members
Veterans Names Not Inscribed on the Memorial
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For years, volunteers working with the veteran communities have had to keep a look-out for individuals bragging about
their military service, their medals and involvement in various conflicts. Up until a few years ago, all we could do was
report their activities and list them on various look out watch lists. Throughout these investigations, many documents are
posted to help people seek out these "wanna bes" in order to correctly document their activities and wave
a red flag for anyone caught in this fictitious scenario.
Supporting Documents
On December 20, 2006, signed by the President. "Should any who are not entitled to these honors have the insolence to
assume the badges of them, they shall be severely punished." The bill states: S. 1998, the "Stolen Valor Act of 2005,"
which expands criminal penalties for fraud relating to military decorations and medals;
Read the full background and history of this amazing and fully supported legislation effecting military awards since the
Medal of Honor review of 1917. Background and History of this Law
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Run For The Wall My POW/MIA Jim Herrick's family could not take part in the Run For The Wall this Memorial Day 2009,
even though it would have been in honor of brother Jim, marking the 40th year since his disappearance. They were truly sorry that they
could not participate in Rolling Thunder. However, there is always next year. More details will follow in the coming months,
but please start making plans now if you want to join in for 2010.
You can learn more about Rolling Thunder at www.rftw.org.
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