Chapter 1073 Brings Moving Wall to Tennessee

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1073 helped bring the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial Moving Wall to Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tenn., recently for a four-day appearance that drew thousands. The replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial travels the country continuously to display the names of the 58,318 Americans who gave their lives during the Vietnam War.

The Moving Wall was escorted to the area by police and more than 100 motorcycles, with event sponsorship from the chapter, Walters State and Lowes home improvement stores. U.S. Air Force Capt. Bill Robinson, the longest-held enlisted POW to serve in Vietnam and the subject of the book The Longest Rescue, keynoted the opening ceremony on Oct. 11, and U.S. Rep. Phil Roe (R-1st) spoke at the closing on Oct. 14.

Robinson recounted his harrowing experiences as a POW and recalled fellow service members who weren’t able to make it back from the war. “I look at that wall and I’m reminded how close I came to being part of that wall,” Robinson said. “I look at the wall and remember my sacrifice was small compared [to those listed]. I never want to forget them — never want to forget their sacrifice, the sacrifice of their families.”

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