Carteret, NJ – Mayor Dan Reiman, the Carteret Borough Council and the Carteret Veterans Alliance have announced that the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) Vietnam Memorial Wall will be visiting Carteret, N.J. The special 4-day exhibit will be open for display around the clock at the Carteret Park from April 28th at 3 p.m. to May 1st 3 p.m.
The AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall is an 80% replica size of the original monument in Washington, D.C. Across its 360-foot length, the Wall bears the names of all 58,307 U.S. Military personnel who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The Wall stands 8-feet tall at its apex. Like the war, itself, the Wall begins small rises to a peak, and then tapers off small again.
An honor escort is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. Riders from several veteran organizations will escort the Wall from NJ Turnpike Exit-12 around town and then to Soldiers and Sailors Memorial in Carteret Park.
The 4-day exhibit will commence with an opening ceremony on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. Following the ceremony, the Wall will be available for viewing twenty-four hours a day through 3 p.m. Sunday, May 1st.
A Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Ceremony will take place Saturday, April 30, starting at 3 p.m. and will feature a day long tribute of activities. A special performance by the elite Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon will dazzle the audience with their intricate drill routine and unparalleled precision, including articulate rifle spins and exchanges. There will also be a fixed-wing aircraft fly over. A special candlelight vigil will be held at 8 p.m. to remember those who sacrificed their lives and to honor those who fought in the Vietnam War. All military veterans and U.S. military service personnel and their families are encouraged to participate in the ceremony.
“The traveling memorial stands as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made in defense of our shared values,” said Mayor Reiman. “Hosting this event is our way of saying, ‘we remember your sacrifice and thank you for your service.’ I’m sure this event will bring a record number of participants.”
“Bringing the Vietnam Traveling Wall to Carteret will give everyone the opportunity to view the names of the 58,307 Americans who lost their lives during the Vietnam War,” said George Lisicki, former Commander-in-Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars. “The Vietnam War was a reality that many Americans wanted to forget, but this Traveling Wall will enlighten all Americans of the sacrifices made by our young men & women. As you look at the names on this wall remember those who made the supreme sacrifice, and let’s not forget their families; they are true American heroes.”
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is a non-government affiliated organization, committed to travel the U.S. to honor and remember those who served, and pay tribute to those who gave all in service. Built in early 1998, AVTT’s Traveling Vietnam Wall is the largest replica Wall traveling the U.S. It provides those who are not able to visit the memorial in Washington D.C. with the opportunity to honor and pay tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War.
“The Vietnam Veterans War Memorial is a testament to honor and recognize 58,307 men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Vinnie Bellino, Council President and Vietnam Era Veteran. “The Traveling Wall is a reminder as it travels from town to town to remind people of the sacrifice our men and women gave during the Vietnam War. Having the Wall come to Carteret will give people the opportunity to share this visual experience and pay their respects in honoring our heroes.”
The Vietnam Traveling Wall is expected to attract thousands of attendees, including a host of veteran organizations, public officials from the county and state, civic and community groups from throughout the area, as well as many supporters and friends of the U.S. military.
As on-site parking is limited, residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize the shuttle stations that will be available for transportation to Carteret Park at the following locations:
- Carteret Public Library (100 Cooke Avenue)
- Carteret VFW Post 2314 (289 Pershing Avenue)
Shuttles will run from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, and are ADA accessible.
The list of events is as follows:
Wednesday, April 27th
Vietnam Traveling Wall Honor Escort at 6:30 pm
Thursday, April 28th
All day exhibit viewing after 3 p.m.
Exhibit Opening Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
Laying of wreaths
Friday, April 29th
All day exhibit viewing
Saturday, April 30th
Vietnam Veterans Day of Remembrance
Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Ceremony at 3 p.m.
Fixed-wing aircraft flyover
USMC Silent Drill Platoon performance
Name reading of 1,487 NJ Vietnam Veterans that were KIA
Special candlelight vigil
Sunday, May 1st
All day exhibit viewing until 3 p.m.
The exhibit will be open 24-hours a day for public display from Thursday, April 28th at 3 pm until Sunday, May 1st at 3 pm. The exhibit will be open to the general public free of charge.
