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Event Vets board progresses on ‘Moving Wall’

Wareham Courier - 2/23/2017

WAREHAM – Nearly six months to the day of its scheduled arrival in town, “The Moving Wall” was the primary topic of discussion at the Thursday night, Feb. 16, meeting of the Wareham Veterans Council.

A half-sized replica of the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial displayed in Washington, D.C., “The Moving Wall” will be displayed at the Andersson Track on Viking Drive in Wareham from Aug. 17 through 21 thanks to the Veterans Council’s advocacy and support from town government and civic organizations. Preparations for the 24-hours-per-day exhibit are extensive and consuming the bulk of the council’s attention and efforts.

On Thursday night, Chairman William “Bob” White briefed council members on various aspects of those preparations, with input from several members and supporters. White said organized efforts are underway to solicit support from neighboring communities and veterans’ organizations in the region as well as financial contributions from local businesses.

Clerk James Bruce reported on his activities spearheading corporate sponsors for the project and noted that the first of at least two bulk mailings to potential donors will be organized shortly. Matthew Stanton, senior commander of the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps of Wareham High School, said Superintendent of Schools Kimberly Shaver-Hood has proposed ways to promote the project in the school system.

Jean Sarnelli, president of the Friends of the Wareham Veterans Council (its fundraising arm) provided an overview of scheduled fundraisers during the next six months. Vice Chairman Skip Sarnelli delivered a presentation on recent visits he and White made to the 102nd Intelligence Wing based at Otis Air National Guard Base in Bourne, where promises of active support before and during the August exhibit were secured.

In a related matter, the council formally voted to become an official partner of the United States Vietnam War Commemoration program, which is coordinating efforts nationally during its 50th anniversary to honor military personnel who served in the way.

The Veterans Council will tentatively convene again Thursday, March 2, at 7 p.m. in the Multi-Service Center.

—Follow Chris Shott on Twitter @ChrisShottCour.