Gibsonburg: Village to host Vietnam memorial replica

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and a mobile informational center, are coming to Gibsonburg next year.
The replica wall and center are scheduled to be on display Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, 2003 at Williams Park on E. Stone Street. The display will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public.
The wall bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
“Gibsonburg has an incredible history of honoring those who serve our country,” said Marc Glotzbecker, village administrator. “The Veterans Memorial, Northcoast Veterans Museum, Public Safety Service Memorial and the Purple Heart Village Designation are all held in very high regard by the community. It is an absolute honor and privilege for the Village of Gibsonburg to partner with the Sandusky County Commissioners, Sandusky County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Gibsonburg School District, American Legion and VFW to bring The Wall That Heals to our area.”
The replica is 375 feet long and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point.
The education center includes digital display photos of “Hometown Heroes” – service members whose names are on the wall - that list their home of record within the area of a visit.
“Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America,” Jim Knotts, president and CEO of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, said.
Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in more than 700 U.S. communities and has toured Ireland and Canada.