Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Coming to Thornton for Independence Day

Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation Sponsors Memorial

THORNTON, Colorado - With great pride and enthusiasm the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation announces Thornton will be the host for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The Foundation, working in conjunction with the city of Thornton, has arranged to have this extraordinary memorial present from July 3 to July 7, 2008 - most fittingly during the city's Independence Day celebration. The Wall will be available for public viewing 24 hours a day on those dates at the multipurpose fields at the Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center (11151 Colorado Boulevard, Thornton, CO 80233).

Of all the war memorials, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial - the Wall - arguably invokes the strongest emotional reaction of any and it is the single most visited memorial in the country. In order to allow more people to experience it, veterans organizations have created 3/5 scale versions that now travel the country making appearances at various events. Just the presence of the wall draws thousands of visitors at every location. It is not merely something that is seen - it is something that is experienced.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall was created for the purpose of helping to heal the wounds of war, rekindle friendships, and draw attention to veterans' issues. This important memorial allows those who may not otherwise be able to travel to Washington D.C. the opportunity to experience this powerful memorial in their hometown. It serves as a reminder of the great sacrifices our servicemen and women made not only during the Vietnam War, but all wars. The Wall has traveled thousands of miles across dozens of states. Each showing draws thousands of visitors from hundreds of miles away as people are drawn to the memorial and the memories it invokes.

Surrounding the Wall visit will be a number of events including opening and closing ceremonies, the Boy Scouts of America flag retirement ceremony and more. There will also be static displays from the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association, the National Guard and others.

The Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation is excited to host the memorial on its visit to Thornton and we are pleased that we are able to host it during a most fitting time - the celebration of our nation's birth.

For more information and a complete calendar of events, please visit the Foundation's website at http://www.thorntonveteransmemorial.org.