The Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum held groundbreaking ceremonies for the Vietnam Wall construction project on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 at 2122 O’Day Road, Fort Wayne.
“The 360-foot, 80% replica of the original Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. has been in the works since arriving in Fort Wayne back in May of this year,” according to Commander Greg Bedford. “COVID-19 has slowed both fundraising and construction scheduling for months. Hagerman Construction will start by installing all concrete footers and support structuring for the wall. Crosby Excavating will be preparing all property in and around the wall for further construction.”
Chris Harmon, Director of Field Operations for Hagerman, is excited about this project.
“The Vietnam Wall is an important monument that deserves the very best installation we can provide,” said Harmon. “Working with our crews and volunteers, we hope to complete the initial phase now and have the finished wall ready for a Memorial Day dedication.”
The Vietnam Wall has 58,320 names of fallen heroes inscribed on an anodized aluminum structure, with 1,534 names from the state of Indiana and 79 names from Allen County.
The Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum continues to seek donations for the completion of this project. Donations are accepted online at honoringforever.org or by mailing your donation to Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum P.O. Box 26 Arcola, In. 46704. You can also drop off a donation at the Shrine and Museum when you are visiting at 2122 O’ Day Road Fort Wayne, In 46818.
