Replica of Vietnam War Memorial Erected in Maine for Memorial Day Weekend

A replica of the Vietnam War Memorial is called "The Moving Wall" - not just because it travels across the country, but because it brings out memories and emotion for those who view it.

"It's overwhelming," said Vietnam Veteran Russ Wolfertz, viewing the wall in Thomaston, Maine over Memorial Day Weekend. "There is a lot of emotion in that 2-300 feet."

The wall was on display from Thursday-Monday at the Knox Musuem in Thomaston, and it was the first time the memorial was on display in the Maine mid-coast.

"The Vietnam generation is getting older, and they haven't wanted to talk about their experiences, really before now," said museum director Tobin Malone.

For some Vietnam Veterans, the experience of seeing the wall and reading familiar names was healing, and for others it was painful.

"I get too emotional, so I stay away," said Rev. Jim Robbins, who sat in a tent next to the wall. He said he knew many names on it, and felt it was important to be at the memorial - even if it was too hard to walk through it. "It's good to see people give respect to the men who were willing to die for this country," he said.

An estimated 13,000 people viewed the Moving Wall in Maine Memorial Day weekend.

Contact Us