'The Moving Wall' Replica Of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Coming To CCM

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The County College of Morris (CCM) and volunteer groups have worked tirelessly to prepare the site for The Moving Wall, which will be displayed on campus to honor Vietnam veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Residents of Morris County and beyond can view a half-scale replica of Washington, D.C.'s Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which will be on display from July 7 to 11 on CCM's campus at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, near parking lot 1.

“We are honored to have been asked to host The Moving Wall at CCM to recognize all veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to teach the next generation about the impact and lessons learned as a result of this time in our nation’s history,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM.

The wall will arrive at CCM around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, accompanied by a motorcade led by Warriors Watch Riders, which will first travel through Randolph. Volunteers will erect the wall that day, and it will be open for viewing by 3 p.m. The Randolph VFW Post 7333 is bringing the wall to campus.

Proclamations from Randolph Township and Morris County kick off the festivities on July 8.

On July 9, there will be a prayer from Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson, as well as proclamations from the United States Congress and the New Jersey State Legislature. There will also be a wreath-laying ceremony and a tribute to Gold Star families.

On July 10, Rabbi Asher Herson of the Chabad Center of Northwestern New Jersey will offer a prayer, followed by the singing of God Bless America.

From July 8 to July 10, there will be rifle salutes followed by the playing of Taps each evening at 8 p.m. The closing ceremony will take place on July 11th, beginning with a prayer from Rev. Timothy Clarkson of Union Hill Presbyterian Church in Denville, followed by the Retiring of Colors and the collection of wreaths and any mementos left at the wall.

Throughout the day, visitors who lost a loved one in the Vietnam War will be invited to make a rubbing of their loved one's name on the wall.

“All Morris County residents should take advantage of this unique opportunity to see the traveling version of the Vietnam Wall. I would especially urge parents to bring their children, and high school and college students to come and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as a big thank you to our Vietnam veterans,” said Deputy Director John Krickus of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, a Marine Corps veteran.

When Vietnam veteran John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., he felt its power and vowed to share that experience with those who might not be able to visit it.

The Moving Wall was built by Devitt, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver and other Vietnam veteran volunteers. It has now been traveling across the United States for more than 30 years.

The Moving Wall will be visiting Morris County for the second time; the first time was in Jefferson Township in 2004.

There are 58,281 names listed on the Vietnam Memorial and The Moving Wall. The names of the fallen are listed in the order in which they died, and the age group with the highest number of deaths – 33,103 – were 18 years old.

There are 1,563 names from New Jersey and 69 from Morris County.