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We've run articles in the past about The Moving Wall and I've seen articles in other publications but I don't think I've ever seen an article about those that make it possible for others to see the Moving Wall. These pictures are of the men and women that assembled the Moving Wall at the New Smyrna Speedway on February 27, 2003.
First off, I want to give credit where credit is due, and I would have to say that nearly all the credit for getting most of the work done came from the following:
Vietnam Vets MC, F Troop, Daytona; Vietnam Vets MC, G Chapter, Cocoa Beach; Vietnam Vets
Building The Wall
MC, E. Chapter, Tallahassee; Vietnam Vets MC, A Chapter, Miami; Rolling Thunder, Chapter 1, Orlando; and members of the Harley Owners Group, Clermont Chapter came out to give a hand.
Most of my day was spent with a bunch of brothers that appeared to be primarily former Marines - HOOO RAH - and they were as tight as they could be. Jokes were flying back and forth all day long. But, the care and attention to the placing of the Wall was done with more respect than you could ever imagine. These brothers touched each panel with complete love and respect. Each section was given more love than you could understand unless you took the time to be a part of the
work. This Wall, and every name on it, means something - love flowed back and forth.
Rain lurked in the heavy clouds all day. Assembly work started at 9:00 AM and it seemed as if the clouds were holding back from raining on the workers. At the end of the long day, when the last panel was being placed, a large black cloud came right over the top of us and drooped a few little sprinkles before it moved on. It was as if something was holding back the storms so all the efforts of these Viet Nam Brothers would be spared from having to stop the work that they were
doing, though I doubt they would have stopped. They worked through a lot worse rain in Viet Nam.
I have no idea how many hours it takes to put up the Moving Wall. First part of the project: a platform has to be put in the ground. Following this, the gutter that holds the Wall in place is attached to the platform and then each section has to be put up with bolts and anchored at the rear. Oh, by the way, everything has to stay leveled as the work continues. The final step is dressing the bottom of the Wall. I this case mulch was put in front of the wall.
I want to thank the Vietnam Vets MC for letting me be a part of their day. Their dedication to this effort was tremendous and I respect you all more than you will ever know. Brothers, you at times may think that people really do not care about your efforts, but I guarantee you, that I do and Dixie Biker's readers do. We're proud to have this story in our magazine. Your love, and your efforts will not go unnoticed. Young and old alike will visit the American Veterans Traveling Tribute and walk the Wall. They'll see the names of the many brothers and sisters we lost in a war that we will never let anyone forget. Your work and effort
educates many thousands of people that will never go to the Wall in Washington, DC. Now and forever, I want each and every one of you to know: You are not forgotten, either.
In years to come, when we are all gone, who will step up and continue this work. I hope that our children and grand-children learn enough from us that they will continue to get the job done so that no American, ever again, will ever go to a war like Viet Nam. Yes! We are proud that we are Americans. Yes! We
are proud that we are Americans. Yes! We will always be proud of the fact that we did what our Country asked us to do. But take a look at the Wall, take a look at all the names of those that did not come home, and think about it. Was it worth it? Come to your own conclusion!
My salute goes out to you brothers, you band of brothers,
you have done a good day's work. And I know that you will continue to do this work, so that others can learn from the wall, what those of us that have been there already know.
I wish to give thanks to Volusia Pennysaver and Daytona Bikers Paradise for your donations and sponsorship.
The entire staff of Dixie Biker Illustrated salutes you for your efforts this day - indeed - every day. Your hard work, dedication to the task at hand and love of country and fellow Vets allowed thousands of people to visit The Wall during Bike Week 2003. Without you, our fallen comrades wouldn't receive the recognition they deserve; the recognition they earned. Thank you.
