On August 4, Randy Havens presented a program to Altrusa about the successful display of the Vietnam Moving Wall in Cerise Park in Montrose over Armed Forces Day weekend. Altrusa of Montrose was one of the financial sponsors which made it possible to bring this half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC to our town.
He reported that about 17,000 people visited the wall while it was displayed in Montrose. Because of donations from sponsors like Altrusa, students were able to be bussed from schools in Montrose, Olathe, Delta, and Cedaredge to view the wall and discuss its significance. On May 16, 2009 -- Armed Forces Day -- a Huey 'copter was flown in to Cerise Park, a 36 piece trumpet band played, and many other special events marked the occasion.
This fall, 13 Austrian Pines will be planted in the footprint where the wall was displayed, and benches and a memorial plaque for Veterans will be added as well.
Randy Havens, along with Gary and Nancy Johnston, received Extraordinary Citizen Awards for their roles in organizing the Vietnam Moving Wall. He showed a very moving slideshow set to music written about the wall to our Altrusa Club.
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