NorthFultonTimes

Known as the Dignity Memorial^® Vietnam Wall^™, this traveling replica is inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in Vietnam. The Dignity Memorial Network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers created the memorial in 1990 as a service to those Americans who might never travel to the nation’s capital to experience “The Wall” first hand. Honoring all US veterans and dedicated to Vietnam Veterans, the faux granite replica is 240 feet long and eight feet high.

Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery, Roswell’s local Dignity Memorial Provider, and a committee comprised of Vietnam Veterans are working to organize volunteer and civic organizations to bring the display to Green Lawn Cemetery over July 4^th weekend. The replica, which has been displayed in over 200 cities throughout the nation will be open to the public 24 hours a day July 4-6, 2008. Special programs and ceremonies are being planned for the three day display. Millions of visitors have touched its black, mirror-like surface inscribed with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

According to committee Chairman and Roswell Funeral Home Manager Tony Papel,
“It is an honor for our organization to be able to present the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall to the people of Roswell, Alpharetta and all of Georgia. It is both a tribute to the memory of those who died, as it honors all of those who served in Vietnam and during the Vietnam Era.” Mr. Papel said he knows that this will be a meaningful and moving experience for Georgia’s veterans, their families and citizens who are grateful for the service and sacrifice of so many.

Mr. Papel said the organizing committee is about to issue a call for volunteers, as it works with local governments and the veterans community to present “The Wall” to the people of our region.