LVMAC Tidbit — Vietnam Traveling Wall Coming, the Lehigh Valley’s Way
Congress has mandated the Department of Defense to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Vietnam War during the years 2015 to 2017 (Public Law 110-181 SEC.598). It is seeking organizations to formally partner and “… commit to conduct at least two events each year during the commemorative period of 2015 – 2017 that will recognize, thank and honor our Vietnam Veterans and their families.” But there is a less official way to commemorate which is of equal value and a local township is about to prove this.
The Moore Township community, vicinity of Bath in Northampton County, is banding together to bring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall (a 3/5 scale replica) to the Lehigh Valley for display between 13 and 17 August 2015. The wall will be erected at the Moore Township Recreation Fields on 12 August 2014. While the expenses for staging such a memorial are not small for a community of this size and considerable work lies before them, if its civic spirit is any indication, it will overcome all obstacles. The local Boy Scout troops, in particular, will lead that charge.
Indeed, what sets this effort apart from many others is the way community is coming together for an act of remembrance of its veterans. It is not being led by military, veterans or political organizations, but by the very citizens of a community. This is how such memorial events should be done. As private citizens, Lynn Kessler and her husband, Matthew — both closely associated with Scouting — began the venture. Already, Boy Scout Troops 33 and 50 and Moore Township officials have banded together with them as the initial cadre.
Their next and primary planning meeting will be at 6 p.m. on 28 August at the Moore Township Building, 2491 Community Dr. Bath, PA 18014. Those interested in helping (assisting) are more than welcome to attend. Their first fundraiser to cover the expenses of the project will be a golf tournament on 18 October at the Wedgewood Golf Club, 4875 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg, PA 18036. See flyer for details and Point of Contact.
For more information and details, contact Lynn Kessler at lynnkessler4@gmail.com or (C) 484-294-1947.
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As of 10 August 2014