Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to be Displayed at the Bob Evans Farm

Rio Grande, Ohio – The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is coming to the Bob Evans Farm as a highlight to Gallia County’s July 4th activities. Hosted by the Gallia County Chapter 709 of the Vietnam Veterans of America and Bob Evans Farms, the exhibit will be displayed at the Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande, Ohio, from July 3 – 6. It will be open to the public twenty-four hours a day and admission is free.

This exhibition features a 3/5-scale replica of the original V-shaped Vietnam Veterans Memorial National Monument, located in Washington, D.C. The traveling wall is six feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end.

“Bob Evans Farms is proud to honor not only Vietnam Veterans, but all veterans and first responders, through this display,” said Ray McKinniss, farm manager. “This Traveling Memorial stands as a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War, and it allows those who might not be able to visit the original Washington, D.C., memorial to enjoy a similar experience here in Ohio.

Hundreds of motorcyclists are expected to join local law enforcement agencies on July 1 in escorting the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall from Butler Landing (near mile marker 8, between Crown City and Gallipolis on State Route 7 — approximately 11 miles south of Gallipolis, Ohio) through the city of Gallipolis and the village of Rio Grande to the Bob Evans Farm. All motorcyclists interested in joining the procession should arrive at Butler Landing by 1 p.m. The procession will begin at 2 p.m.

In addition to the Traveling Memorial, visitors can view John Hosier Jr’s “through the eyes” exhibit. This Vietnam era display is designed to honor the men and women that lost their lives while serving in the Vietnam War. The exhibit presents both the images of military personnel as well as the items they carried and used during their time in the country. The exhibit has traveled to over 300 cities and towns across the United States, visiting 46 of our states.

The opening ceremony to “Honor Our Heroes” will take place at 6 p.m. on July 3. Closing ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. on July 6. For more information or for directions, call (740) 245-5305 or (800) 994-3276.