The Traveling Vietnam Wall is a place for all Kentuckians to recognize and honor Vietnam veterans, their families and friends, Governor Steve Beshear said today at the Kentucky Horse Park.
"You don't have to be a Vietnam Veteran to find appreciation and inspiration at this Wall," Gov. Beshear said. "Standing here, reading the names, thinking about those who gave their lives and those who came home, is one of the most moving and humbling experiences you can have."
Gov. Beshear also recognized Don Jenkins, of Morgantown, who received the Medal of Honor for valorous conduct in the Vietnam War and attended Friday's ceremony. Retired Brig. Gen. Dan Cherry and retired Maj. Gen. Arnold Fields also spoke.
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute wall's visit to the Kentucky Horse Park is sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA), through a grant from the Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund.
The wall is an 80-percent scale model of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, D.C. Eight feet high and 360 feet long, it provides an electronic locator to help visitors find the names of particular service members carved in the wall.
"It is thanks to Gov. Beshear's strong support of the Vietnam Commemoration and KDVA that we are able to bring the Traveling Vietnam Wall to Lexington," said KDVA Commissioner Heather French Henry. "It symbolizes so much for so many people, but not least the respect and thanks Kentuckians have for Vietnam veterans."
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