Civil War Days in Branch County-Coldwater, Mi.

Vietnam Moving Wall Coming to Coldwater, Mi. (Branch County)

Update May 19, 2009 The Moving Wall is now gone as of Monday May 18th, 2009 if you missed it while it was here we are very sorry for that. But no fear, in our "Photo Gallery" link, you can visit "The Wall" from the comfort of your home or office. This is being update as we have over 400 added pictures that either will be uploaded here or a link will be placed on this page where photos from the Moving Wall will be placed.

Butch Rule, President of the Local Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 730, along with it's members & local Legions, Home Depot, Wal Mart, Speedway Chicago Pike Florist, Coldwater Police, American Legion Riders of Bronson & Quincy, Eagles Club riders & the Patriot Guard. has for the last several months along members of the Memorial Weekend Committee has been busy putting together all the details of bringing Vietnam "The Moving Wall" to Coldwater for the 2nd time. The last time "The Wall" was here was in 1991 and was displayed @ Branch County Memorial Park on Benke Rd just South of US-12.

As back in 1991 it will take many volunteers, support of many businesses to bring "The Wall" to Coldwater. based on the main site "The Moving Wall" is making it's only appearance in lower Southern Michigan for 2009

Vietnam "The Moving Wall" will be Manned 24 Hour a day while on display at Heritage Park from May 14th thru the 18th @ Coldwater's Heritage Park on Western Ave (Westside of Town on US-12-Shell Gas Station on corner go North)

Times for Ceremonies;

May 14 9:00 A.M. Parade Escort of "The Wall" from Hampton Inn to Heritage Park (Westside of Coldwater) then is setup by area volunteers

May 14 2:00 P.M. Ceremonies in front of "The The Moving Wall"
May 17 P.M. 6:00 P.M. Closing Ceremonies in front of "The Moving Wall"
May 18 "The Wall is packed up by 4:00 P.M. Volunteers are needed for this as well.
Quoted from Monday's May 11th, 2009 Daily Reporter
At the Opening Ceremonies are Coldwater Mayor Gene Wallace, Branch County Circuit Judge Bill O'Grady & Former Sate Representative Bruce Casewell, as well as 10 Families of the 12 Branch County Soldiers who are among the 58,228 names listed on the wall.
Rule said it is hoped people will come away from the wall with a sense of "responsibility" in knowing the Vietnam vet "is not what's portrayed in stupid movies."
"We are the same young sons today. It doesn't matter wheather you look at World War II or Iraq or Afghanistan vets," he said.” You see yourself"

About THE MOVING WALL™

"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for more than twenty years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

John, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver, and other Vietnam veteran volunteers built The Moving Wall. It went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Two structures of The Moving Wall now travel the USA from April through November, spending about a week at each site.

A "Sponsor" is any organization or group of individuals that wants The Moving Wall to visit their area and is willing to do the work to make the local arrangements as described in "Scheduling a Visit of The Moving Wall." Sponsors are frequently civic groups, schools, or veterans' organizations. Sponsoring normally requires months of planning by dozens of local volunteers.

Volunteering to Help at THE MOVING WALL™

Since most sponsors are nonprofit organizations, many volunteers are needed at each Moving Wall display site. The local sponsoring organization determines how volunteers may participate. Volunteers may help during the week of the visit or assist with the months of planning and preparations. Volunteer jobs include helping visitors find names, security, assembly and disassembly, food preparation, parking, cleanup, and countless other tasks. Contact Butch Rule at 517-279-8875 or Barb Parks at 517-278-8032
The Moving Wall is a replica of the Vietnam Veterans National Memorial, "The Wall," which is located in Washington D.C. For more information contact Butch Rule at 517.279.8875. and/or visit; http://www.themovingwall.org/
Check back to this Website as more local details become available. While your here visit our other pages, Calendar, Activities, When & Where, Photo Gallery, Sponsorship Opp, Sign our Guestbook, Sign up as a member to be alerted of updates, etc. Thank you!