The traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall opens with the Middletown terquasquicentennial  (175th ) celebration          

[June 16, 2007]  "Our nation honors the courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty and country of our Vietnam Veterans. This memorial was built with private contributions from the American people on Nov. 13, 1982.” – written at the center of the monument.

 The monument’s sleek, reflective black surface and austere design generates a subdued sense of awe. Starting from the center of the wall are segments numbered 01 to 70 to the east and likewise to the west. Stars from top to bottom of each segment indicate increments of 10 lines. A catalogue provides every fallen soldier’s name and the location by section and line on the monument.

Lila and Irwin Conklen of Middletown were impressed by the wall. They and friend Alberta Hellman of Emden sought and found the name of Marshal E. ‘Eddie’ Naffziger of Emden near the center.

State Rep. Rich Brauer joined local veterans in the opening ceremony.
 

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