The Wall in Bucks County, the grassroots committee that brought the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to the Delaware Valley last year, closed the final chapter of its multi-year effort to honor those who fought in the Vietnam War Oct. 9, with the donation of more than $31,000 in money and goods to local and national veterans’ causes.
During presentation, Oct. 9, Ed Preston, chairman of The Wall in Bucks County, announced that the Wall committee has approved a donation to the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall for the purchase of two panels; these panels have enabled the Traveling Wall to be updated with names of servicemen and women whose fates have been determined since the creation of the Wall.
The presentation took place at state Sen. Tommy Tomlinson’s office at the Visit Bucks County Visitors Center in Bensalem.
The Wall in Bucks County also made available to Vietnam veterans Vietnam Veterans Lapel Pins that have been created by the U.S. Department of Defense as part of the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Vietnam War.
The Wall in Bucks County committee has approved support for:
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 175 in Doylestown via James McComb, author of “More Than Names On The Wall,” a remembrance of Bucks County veterans who lost their lives during the Vietnam War;
- The Delaware Valley Veterans Home;
- Delaware Valley Vietnam Veterans, a Bristol organization;
- Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Memorial Chapter 85, Bensalem;
- Jesse Soby American Legion Post 148, Langhorne;
- Meghan’s Foundation, a Lansdale organization that uses yoga and meditation programs to help veterans deal with post-traumatic stress disorders;
- Operation Ward 57, a Walter Reed Medical Center organization supporting post 9/11 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, their loved ones and family member;
- Shamrock Reins, a Pipersville-based resource for equine assisted activities and therapies for veterans.
- The Veterans Group, a Philadelphia operator of two homes that shelter up to 41 veterans; and
- The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, which honors and preserves the legacy of service and educates all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War, through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
“The businesses and individuals who donated money to the Wall in Bucks County all did so with the intent of honoring Vietnam War dead and helping veterans heal, and because so many services were provided at low or no cost, we were able to dramatically reduce our expenses,” said Preston. “We’re honored to close the circle by donating the excess money raised to these worthy causes.”
Upwards of 25,000 people visited the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall during its July 14-16 run in Penndel in 2017. Following the conclusion of the Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Day Parade this year, a time capsule commemorating the event was buried at the intersection of Hulmeville Avenue and PFC John Dalola Avenue in Penndel.
The time capsule contains tributes left behind at the event, including: pictures, a uniform, notes, a Purple Heart, infantry insignia, obituaries, a baby’s pacifier, flowers, flags and MIA bracelets and is to be opened on April 15, 2075, the 100th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
