Vietnam War Memorial Mobile Wall
Atlantic Cape Community College will host a series of free public events this week to honor the 50th anniversary of the official end to the Vietnam War and recognize the sacrifices made by the proud veterans throughout southern New Jersey.
The highlight of the week’s festivities will be the arrival of an 82-foot replica of the Vietnam War Memorial Mobile Wall to the Mays Landing campus around noon Tuesday, flanked by a dignified escort of American Legion Riders, State Police helicopters and additional riders from numerous veterans’ organizations.
“Atlantic Cape and its foundation are honored and grateful to be able to host these series of events honoring those who served in the United States armed forces between 1955-1975 and beyond. Our dedicated Veteran’s alumni and the entire veteran’s community who are serving on the committee have been significant to work with,” Foundation Executive Director Jean McAlister said. “We are reminded of the role that New Jersey’s community colleges played when our brave veterans returned home from combat.”
Additional events include:
• Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.: A ceremony presenting Wreaths of Honor at the Vietnam Memorial Mobile Wall. That will be followed by a Veterans Recognition Ceremony at noon to honor those who served, and their families, during the Vietnam War Era between 1955-1975. The event, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, will feature the U.S. Navy Band Northeast and will posthumously honor the memory of Retired Brigadier General Alfred Cade. The veterans and their family members will be bestowed with official Vietnam Service tribute pins.
• Thursday at noon: Viewing of the three-time award-winning Vietnam War documentary film, “A Place of Honor.” The movie directed by the three-time Academy Award winner Vanessa Roth, and produced by Amy Osborne and former N,J, State Sen. Nick Asselta will take place in the Student Center (G Building).
• Thursday at 1 p.m.: A wreath-laying ceremony will honor police and fire veterans who served and the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The Sandpipers Bagpipers from the Atlantic City Fire and Police departments will perform. In case of inclement weather, this event will be held in the Student Center (G Building).
• Friday at noon: National POW/MIA Day, the Gold Star and Blue Star Mother’s along with the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary will hold a wreath-laying ceremony in the Quad.
• Saturday at 4 p.m.: The Knights of Columbus will hold a memorial Mass, led by Father John March of the Parish of St. Vincent de Paul in Mays Landing, in Walter E. Edge Theater. Following the Mass, a procession to the wall will culminate with a wreath-laying ceremony and prayers for all veterans who served, and the families of loved ones who served as well, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Kenny I will lead a liturgical musical presentation.
Following the Mass, the Vietnam Memorial Mobile Wall will depart the campus with a closing ceremony complete with a 10-gun salute, the firing of cannons and the playing of taps by the Sandpipers Bagpipers and veterans’ organizations from Atlantic and Cape May counties.
Vietnam War Mobile Memorial WallVietnam War veteran and 1972 Atlantic Cape alumnus Ray Williams spoke about the importance that this event holds.
“The official 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War is the last commemoration in the country to honor all of our veterans who served, and the families of loved ones who served, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “We pay our respects to them all by having the Vietnam Memorial Mobile Wall here on the campus of Atlantic Cape Community College. With this historic event we welcome Vietnam era veterans to join us and become involved with Atlantic Cape’s alumni veterans as we honor our many vets in the community.”
Williams supports veterans by working for the Atlantic County Veterans Action Center, while serving as a key member of the Veterans Peer Council and conducting fundraising events in support of veterans’ initiatives,
The Vietnam Memorial Mobile Wall will remain open on Atlantic Cape’s Mays Landing campus to all veterans, families and members of the public who wish to pay their respects during these five days.