Dedication of Fall River’s Replica Vietnam Wall

Vietnam veterans, Gold Star families and public officials gathered Saturday at Bicentennial Park in Fall River to dedicate a replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.  The Fall River Wall is an 80% replica of the wall in Washington and will be a permanent exhibit, honoring those U.S military personnel who lost their lives fighting in Vietnam.

As in Washington, the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice are listed on marble panels.

Retired Four Star Genera Richard Neal, United States Marine Corps, saluted Fall River for caring about its veterans and its commitment to the Wall Project.

Former CBS New Reporter and Fall River native Morton Dean, who covered the Vietnam War extensively, told the crowd "this is not a local monument, it's an American monument."

Military units from all over the region attended the ceremony.

A Marine Corps League Detachment from New Bedford was standing tall during the 21-gun salute.

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After the singing of "God Bless America," many in attendance visited the wall, remembering the sacrifice made by those names etched in marble.

"All gave some, and some gave all."

The Fall River Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Is a $1.6 million project, funded mostly through private donations.  The sixteen-member Memorial Wall Committee is chaired by Fall River businessman Joseph Marshall.