I-90
Chamberlain, SD 57325
USA
This is a request for an event assist not a PGR mission as we will be at the Sioux Empire Fair during these dates.
This message is going out to a lot of different Veterans and I hope non-Veterans who care about the Vietnam War and the people who served, died, and the survivors who are still in some ways fighting the battle. As a Vietnam Era Vet that was never in country it will be my great Honor and privilege to ride with all who can make this run. Please pass this information on to others Veterans and Friends.
Those traveling from Sioux Falls and would like to go as a group let’s meet at the Fly’n J Truck Stop at 0730, KSU at 0800 traveling to Mitchell on I-90.
Best Regards,
Gary J. Saxhaug
Commandant
Marine Corp League
Det. #659 Sioux Falls
The Wall That Heals
Chamberlain, SD, August 9-13, 2017
Wednesday, August 9, volunteer motorcycle escorts will accompany the trailer that carries The Wall That Heals via Old US Highway 16 from Mitchell to Chamberlain through the towns of Mt. Vernon, Plankinton, White Lake, Kimball, and Pukwana.
The Wall That Heals and its Education Center will be on exhibit at the Rest Area/Information Center just off I-90 at Chamberlain (Exit 264).
The Wall That Heals will be open to the public 24-hours a day from August 9 at 8pm through August 13 at 4pm.
The Wall That Heals – Chamberlain, SD Schedule:
Wednesday, August 9
9am – Cabela’s Parking Lot, Mitchell, SD – Volunteer motorcycle escorts meet The Wall That Heals trailer.
9:45 am – Briefing for escorts.
10am – Ride leaves Cabela’s Parking Lot and follows route along Old US Highway 16.
11:30am (approximate) – Arrive Chamberlain I-90 Rest Area and Visitor Center.
Thursday, August 10 – Chamberlain I-90 Rest Area & Visitor Center
10am (9 MT) – Welcome Remarks – Larry Rohrer, SDPB
10:05am (9:05 MT) – Presentation of Colors – Vietnam Veterans of America Color Guard
10:10am (9:10 MT) – Pledge of Allegiance – Led by Chamberlain Mayor Chad Mutziger
10:12am (9:12 MT) – Prayer
10:15am (9:15 MT) – Native American Prayer
10:20am (9:20 MT) – Welcome Remarks, Gubernatorial Declaration & Recognition of Veterans & Dignitaries – Larry Zimmerman, Secretary, SD Dept. of Veterans Affairs
10:35am (9:35 MT) – Reading of Names of South Dakota’s Vietnam War Dead and Missing
10:50am (9:50 MT) – Laying of Wreath & Playing of “Taps”
About The Wall That Heals
With the help of volunteers from throughout South Dakota, SDPB brings The Wall That Heals to the I-90 Rest Area near Chamberlain, SD, August 10-13. The exhibit is in conjunction with Ken Burns’ and Lynn Novick’s epic documentary The Vietnam War, which premieres on SDPB on September 17.
The Wall That Heals is a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Like the original Memorial, The Wall That Heals is erected in a chevron-shape. As on The Wall, the names on The Wall That Heals are listed by day of casualty. Beginning at the center/apex, the names start on the East Wall (right-hand side) working their way out to the end of that wing, picking up again at the far end of the West Wall (left-hand side) and working their way back in to the center/apex, joining the beginning and end of the conflict at the center.
The exterior sides of the trailer that carries The Wall That Heals open to become a mobile Education Center. Information cases display photos of service members whose names are found on The Wall, along with letters and memorabilia left at The Wall in D.C. The Museum also includes a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the conflict in Vietnam.
The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.