THE MOVING WALL 2016

October 12-17, 2016, the members of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 218 of Santa Barbara proudly presented The Moving Wall, the half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. at Santa Barbara’s Chase Palm Park.

This traveling memorial contains the names of more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country during a war that lasted ten years; 98 of those names are from Santa Barbara County. It is also a somber reminder that returning Veterans often found themselves shunned and abandoned by a great many civilians who were not able to separate the war from the warrior. While the passing decades have seen a new and well-deserved respect for Vietnam Veterans, many still struggle with what it was like when they came home. It also stands as a testament to the millions of American men and women who served during the era from 1959-1975.

The first of its kind, The Moving Wall was created by a group of Vietnam Veterans in 1985. It has been to all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, Guam and America Samoa! Much like the permanent memorial in Washington, it was made possible by private and corporate donations, receiving no monies from the federal government.

The Moving Wall was open to the public 24 hours a day staffed by Veterans and civilian volunteers, who assisted in locating names, accompanying individuals or families to the Wall, helping with taking a “rubbing” of a name or were just being available as a “silent partner” at the Wall.

During the hours of darkness it was bathed in a sheen of golden light. Official dedication ceremonies took place at 11 am on Saturday, October 15 with an inter-denominational candlelight service at 6:30 pm on Sunday, October 16.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our many volunteers, planning committee, attendees and of course to our generous sponsors for making the 2016 visit of The Moving Wall happen.

Click play to watch a video of the 2016 Moving Wall exhibition in Santa Barbara!