WJBC.com - The Online Voice of McLean County - Local News, Sports, Weather and More

Kentucky DerbyWJBC welcomes the Vietnam Traveling Memorial, hosted by the Fifty American Flags Living Memorial to Bloomington-Normal!

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, hosted by The Fifty American Flags Living Memorial, will be on display on the campus of Eastview Christian Church June 26th through 29th, 2008.

Veterans...Tell Your Story! Vietnam Veterans are invited to share your pictures and memomrabilia with your fellow vets and others who care. If you have an interest in displaying any of your Vietnam era photos, artifacts, and memorabilia, please contact Jim Logsdon at (309)829-9071 or (309)287-3613 for details.

Volunteers are needed! Please click here to download a volunteer form!
Or call 309-829-9071 or email: ctlogs@fiftyflags.com

About “The Wall”:
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.  It stands six feet tall at the center, and covers almost 300 feet from end to end. 

The Traveling Memorial stands as a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.  It was made to help heal, rekindle friendships, and to allow people the opportunity to visit who otherwise might not be able to make the trip to Washington. 

Where:             Eastview Christian Church campus, 1500 N. Airport Road, Bloomington
Hours:              Opens at noon on Thursday (6/25), and is open 24 hours per day…through closing ceremonies at 7pm on Sunday (6/29)
Admission:        Free

Special Events Schedule*:

  • Wednesday, 6/25 –
    • Motorcycle escort will meet “The Wall” near Farmer City, and will escort it to the viewing site. 
      • All riders are welcome! 
      • For more information on joining the escort, contact Denny Turner at 309-262-7726 or Mick Mills at 309-728-2098.
  • Thursday, 6/26
    • “The Wall” opens for viewing at noon
    • Brandon Howard will perform "Soldier on the Wall" at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:45 p.m.
    • Blackhawk landing at approximately 3:00 p.m.
    • Opening Ceremonies at 5pm
      • Master of Ceremonies - Red Pitcher
      • Invocation - Rev. John Brown
      • Fly-over of C-130's
      • National Anthem - Ronnie Jones
      • "Lift Every Voice" - Betty Tripp and Charlotte Salzman
      • Posting of the Colors - Veterans Groups
      • Women Veterans - Chella Yeakel
      • Vocals - Ronnie Jones
      • Keynote Speaker - Dennis Thompson, Former DAV State Commander and Vietnam Veteran
      • "After the War" - Timothy P. Irvin
      • Wreath Laying
        • Any individual, business, or group interested in laying a wreath at “The Wall” during the formal ceremony should contact Carol Logsdon at 309-829-9071.
  • Friday, 6/27
    • "The Wall" is open 24 hours per day through closing ceremonies on Sunday
    • Evening Events begin at 7pm

      • National Anthem - Sound of Illinois Chorus

      • Special Presentations to Area Veterans

      • "An American Trilogy" - Sound of Illinois Chorus

      • "Bring Him Home" - Sound of Illinois Chorus

      • The Tiger Cage - Gerald McCullar

      • POW Honor Table - Peoria Woodruff H.S. JROTC

      • Candlelight reading of names

  • Saturday, 6/28
    • "The Wall" is open 24 hours per day through closing ceremonies on Sunday
    • Public is welcome to bring flags (or purchase on-site) to be flown over “The Wall.”  Certificates will be issued commemorating the flag flying over “The Wall.”
    • The Spectors perform at 7pm
  • Sunday, 6/29
    • "The Wall" is open 24 hours per day through closing ceremonies
    • Closing ceremonies at 7pm
      • National Anthem - Chris Meyer
      • "Lift Every Voice" - Betty Tripp and Charlotte Salzman
      • Guest Speaker
      • "Under God" - His Voice
      • "I Pledge My Allegiance" - His Voice
      • Closing Devotion - George Ferguson
      • 21 Gun Salute - Macon County American Legion
      • Echo Taps - Dale Rideout and Greg Allen
      • Retiring of the Colors - Area Veterans Groups

Throughout the Event (Noon Thursday through 7pm Sunday)*:

  • Static displays of military equipment, armored equipment, huey and cobra helicopters
  • Quilt of Tears Memorial (display of 26 quilts honoring victims of Agent Orange)
  • Vintage flags display from Elk’s Lodge
  • “Tell Your Story” – display depicting Vietnam years in photos and memorabilia
    • Any Vietnam vet that would like to display their photos and memories can contact Jim Logsdon at 309-829-9071.
  • Simpkings War Museum booth and display
  • Informational displays from Veterans Administration, Branches of Service, Veterans Groups, Women in the Military, and other informative displays

*All schedules are tentative and subject to change. 

Click here for the Fifty American Flags Living Memorial website.

1230 WJBC

Current Doppler Radar