Friday June 8th, was a day filled with pride, honor, and respect in Bloomington. A culmination of two years of hard work and sacrifice for a greater cause. “To me, these veterans are heroes,” said Bob Lavin, chair of the Veteran Wall of Freedom Committee. “It’s an honor to have it here,” said Lavin, who served in the Army from 1967 to 1968. “My main purpose is to honor our heroes on the wall and make sure people never forget them.” Lavin along with a host of local volunteers and sponsors were able to accomplish the daunting task set before them, bringing the mini-monument to the Inland Empire.
"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for thirty plus years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.
John, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver, and other Vietnam veteran volunteers built The Moving Wall. It went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Two structures of The Moving Wall now travel the USA from April through November, spending about a week at each site.
Sponsors are frequently civic groups, schools, or veterans' organizations. Sponsoring normally requires months of planning by dozens of local volunteers. Lavin, his wife Lupe, and his team of volunteers, locked arms with local sponsors: American Legion Post 155, American Legion 25 District Auxillary, San Bernardino County, IBEW Local 47, IBEW Local 11, US Bank, The Home Depot #6683-Rialto, Teamsters Local Union #63, Rotary International-Cross Roads San Bernardino, Stater Bros. Charities to make this all happen.
Levin welcomed the host of dignitaries and guests, which was followed by the Posting of Colors (American Legion Post 421), Invocation by Frank Granado (American Legion 25th District Chaplain), The Pledge of Allegiance (Lupe Levin), and The National Anthem (Nostalgia Singers). The guest speakers, who praised Lavin and team for their extensive efforts as well as shared a personal impact the Wall had on their lives were as follows: Josie Gonzales-San Bernardino County Supervisor 5th District, Eloise Reyes-Gomez-State Assembly Member 47th District, Damon Alexander-American Legion 25th District Commander, Patti Golatioto-President Women’s Auxilary 25th District, Michael Yates- American Legion 25th District 2nd Vice Commander, Rick Bui-Vietnam Moving Wall Committee Member.
The opening ceremony was rounded out by POW/MIA Ceremony by Valerie Holmes (Blue Star Mother), a Rifle Salute (Colton VFW Post 6476), as well as “Amazing Grace” played by Bag Piper Forrest Cormany followed by “Taps” played by Bryan Cantrell (Bugles Across America)
City News Group, as well as the communities it represents honors the courage, sacrifice, and devotion to Duty and Country of its Vietnam Veterans.
For information, visit themovingwall.org.