Blinn-Schulenburg students assist in construction of replica Vietnam Wall
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute wall will be displayed through Sunday, April 7, at the Schulenburg Sports Complex
April 5, 2019
Blinn College-Schulenburg Campus students, faculty, and staff recently received the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in a traveling tribute to past and present veterans.
Eighteen students assisted with the construction of a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall – which is located in Washington, D.C. – at the Schulenburg Sports Complex. Hosted by the Schulenburg Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 870, the 360-foot wall contains more than 58,000 names of the men and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
“The Vietnam Wall is a dramatic visual representation that helps students connect what they are learning in their HIST 1302: United States History II course to the events that occurred during the Vietnam War,” said Dr. Becky Garlick, Executive Dean, Schulenburg Campus. “Participating in this event is a valuable learning experience for our students.”
Created by the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, the mobile Vietnam Wall replica is hosted by various cities across the country to allow those who cannot travel to the actual memorial site an opportunity to pay their respects and share in the experience of honoring fallen military personnel.
Schulenburg Campus students, faculty, and staff will participate in the disassembly as well as a special ceremony Saturday honoring four Army chaplains who sacrificed their lives on a sinking ship during World War II. The event has given the students an opportunity to learn first-hand about the perils of the Vietnam War from many veterans who were there.
“I am so impressed with our students’ willingness to help,” Garlick said. “Many Vietnam veterans were there today to assist, but because of age or injuries, many of them are unable to assist with heavy lifting. While the students managed the load, the veterans shared their stories about friends and family they lost during the war.”
The structure is on display through Sunday, April 7, at the Schulenburg Sports Complex located at 300 North Schwartz Street in Schulenburg. The wall is available for viewing 24 hours a day at no cost.
