Traveling Vietnam Memorial comes to Bremerton

With servicemen and women serving in harm’s way in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, another generation of veterans are remembered as The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Experience arrives in Bremerton.

Numerous events are scheduled throughout this week to pay tribute to the fallen of the Vietnam War as the three-quarter scale replica of the Washington, D.C. memorial continues its annual cross-country trip.

A multi-faith blessing service commemorated the beginning of construction of the wall on Monday, which will last three days.

The opening ceremony will be at 10 a.m. July 13 with Port Orchard Mayor Kim Abel reading “Vietnam Veterans Week” proclamations from Gov. Christine Gregoire and local mayors. The keynote speaker will be Rear Admiral Stuart F. Platt, SC, USN, Ret.

On July 14, there will be a program at noon led by Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Director Lourdes Alvarado-Ramos and music from the Bremerton Symphony brass quintet and Echo Taps. A musical tribute will follow at 7:30 p.m. with the Brothers Four and a fireworks finale.

Throughout the weekend, every name on the wall will be read by volunteers in 20-minute segments.

Closing ceremonies will be at 7 p.m. July 15 with the retiring of the colors, Emmanuel Apostolic Church’s Silent Praise Mini Mime team and the Navy Band Northwest.

Kitsap Transit will provide shuttles from remote parking locations. For more information contact Susan Teale at (360) 377-7648.

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