Moving Vietnam Wall Memorial Coming To Newport

NEWPORT, RI — A portable replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam War Memorial is coming to Newport. Throughout the weekend, the wall will be in Touro Park, beginning with a ceremonial procession on Thursday.

Starting at 9 a.m., the procession will carry the wall from Middletown to Newport, led by local police and veterans motorcycle groups. Upon its arrival at Touro Park, the wall will be blessed in a ceremony before being affixed to its foundation. Thursday's events will end with a candleight vigil at 7:30 p.m., featuring music, a flag ceremony and a remembrance ceremony for the Rhode Islanders killed in action in Vietnam.

The next day, an opening ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will include speakers, a proclamation from the city and Newport. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse will discuss his experiences living in Vietnam.

At noon on Saturday, the a lecture will be held on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, followed by a U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration Recognition Ceremony. The Town of Middletown will issue a proclamation and the Soldiers Cross Ceremony will be followed by reflections on their service by Peggy Zarek, Dan Thurston and Daniel Evangelista.

Another commemoration ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, featuring a proclamation by the Town of Portsmouth and reflections on their service by Frank Grzyb, Ken Garthee and John Ciummo.

A closing ceremony for the wall will be held on Monday at 9 a.m. The Navy Band Northeast will perform and Rudy Borgueta and other veterans will speak. Following a benediction, the wall will be returned to its truck.

The wall is approximately half the size of the original at 243 feet in length. Because of its unique, modular design, it is easily moved, and has been on tour around the country for 34 years.

While some parking is available around Touro Park, visitors are encouraged to park in the satellite lot at the former Newport Grand casino. Shuttles are expected to run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., with additional buses provided if needed. Handicapped parking is available at and near the park.