City needs donations for Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall

Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall to return to Lynn


By Robin Kaminski / The Daily Item

LYNN - The "Wall That Heals," a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Washington D.C., will be on display at Fraser Field next year.

A beacon of hope to aid the healing process for thousands of veterans over the years, the wall has also acted as a voice for the names of the souls on the memorial to exist once more.

A success the first time it rolled into the city in 1999, the Lynn Department of Veterans' Services will once again sponsor the event from Aug. 27-30, 2009.

Fundraising to help defray costs for the event has already begun, and a raffle will be held tonight prior to the North Shore Navigators game at Fraser Field.

Michael Sweeney, director of Veterans' Services said Solimine Funeral Homes has partnered with the city and Lynn veteran organizations to help organize the event.

"Along with Lucia Lighting and Design, they have donated two pairs of Red Sox vs. Yankee tickets for the last game of the season, Sept. 27, to be raffled off," he said. "And Bob Hulgren, a Vietnam veteran, and his wife Adelle really deserve credit for helping sell raffle tickets at every Navigator game." For $10, tickets can be purchased at City Hall in the Veterans' Service office or at Fraser Field. Proceeds will help pay for the costs associated with bringing the wall to Lynn and other veteran programs.

Sweeney said tickets could also be purchased through the Lynn Veterans' Council, and the Vietnam Veterans of America, Lynn Chapter 908, and through other veteran posts throughout the city.
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For those of you who read my book, you know I'm from Lynn. I remember going to see the Wall and the reaction of the veterans as moving as ever. Years never seem to change the way they look at the Wall no matter how many times they stand in front of it. Now, it's not just for the Vietnam veterans but for all veterans. Much like the Vietnam veterans have fought for benefits for all veterans, this Wall serves as a testament to their compassion for each other and all who have worn the uniform. Politics gone. Pro or Con gone. All that matter is the lives lost for the sake of serving this nation and each other.

I've seen Iraq and Afghanistan veterans approach the Wall the same way I used to see the Gulf War veterans approach it. They stand in awe as they walk past the panels. Are they thinking of the men and women they served with who are no longer here? I believe they are. No matter what or where they served, this Wall has managed to touch all of them. It helps to heal the families of the fallen as well. If you live in the area, please help Lynn out with a donation to host the Wall.