Vietnam Memorial Wall Comes to Owego

7/19/2012 (Updated 6:43:01 PM)

(Source: Travis Eldridge)

OWEGO -- It was a morning of remembrance in Owego as the traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial made a stop at Owego Free Academy.  The Memorial, known as "A Wall to Heal," gives people a chance to see the wall who may not be able to make it to Washington DC.  Thursday at OFA, people honored those who served.

"As you walk through the entrance and everything there's a big sign that says welcome home," said Bill Chandler.  "That's the most important thing that these guys never received."

More than 58,000 names are engraved on the traveling wall, with each of them serving as a way to teach kids about the Vietnam War.

"Just that they learn to support the men and women that serve our country and stuff," said Chandler. "We don't want no repeats of what happened in Vietnam, not being recognized, and basically being dumped on."

Of those 58,000 names, 20 are from Tioga County which brings the war closer to home.

"It's physically draining," said Kevin Harris, a veteran at the Memorial. "Your heart empties, but youre filled with pride that they were willing to fight, but these are all kids, these aren't adults."

The wall remains up until closing ceremonies Monday as a way to remember those that gave their lives.

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