Shown is the Wall exhibit at Hot Springs in 2012 and at night at another location. — Photos courtesy of Visit Hot Springs
A free exhibit honoring all of America’s fallen in conflicts from World War I through the most recent casualties involved in the withdrawal from Afghanistan will join an 80% replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall on display at Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport May 23 – 26.
The Cost of Freedom tribute consists of dozens of smaller panels that trace American conflicts and pay special recognition to suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to information from American Veterans Traveling Tribute, which created the tributes and manages their traveling display.
“We are honored that these important reminders of Americans’ sacrifice will be in Hot Springs during the Memorial Day Weekend,” Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said Monday when announcing the Cost of Freedom tribute’s addition to the Vietnam Memorial replica’s display.
Visit Hot Springs is sponsoring the tribute’s Hot Springs display along with Veterans of Valor Organization of Hot Springs, Hot Springs VFW Post 2278, and Hot Springs American Legion Post 2020.
The schedule for the Hot Springs visit is:
- FRI | MAY 23, at 6 p.m. — Opening Ceremonies
- SAT & SUN | MAY 24 – 25 — open all day and evening
- MON | MAY 26 — Memorial Day ceremonies at noon and a candlelight vigil beginning at dusk
The names of Hot Springs residents that are included on the Vietnam Memorial replica are: MSG Franklin D. Roosevelt Efird; SSGT Cleveland Evans Jr.; CWO3 Solomon Hughey Godwin; CPL Anthony William Handley; PFC Joe Hibbler Jr.; SP5 Herbert S. Hildebrand; MSG James William Holt; SSGT Bobby Lee Holzer; LCPL James Herbert Jeffries; SFC James Vernon Lloyd; LTJG Lawrence Scott Mailhes; HN Bernie Jack Mosley; SFC Frank Ray Noe; SGT James Arnold Singleton; 1LT Michael Herman Thomas; SGT Thomas Franklin Young.
The Cost of Freedom panels honor American fallen in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Cold War, the USS Pueblo, the Iranian Hostages, El Salvador war, the Marine Corps Barracks bombing in Beirut, the Grenada invasion, El Dorado Canyon, the USS Stark attack, the Panama invasion, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield, Somalia, the Khobar Towers bombing, the USS Cole attack, the Fort Hood attack and the most recent casualties involved in the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial — commonly known as The Wall — is 360 feet long. It is 80% as large as the famous Wall in Washington, D.C.
“The last time it was here, in 2012, more than 14,000 people visited the exhibit at the airport,” he said. “We believe it’s a touching and important reminder of the sacrifices Americans have made in defense of our country. It’s free and open to the public, and we anticipate a larger number of people will enjoy the opportunity to see it.”
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which sits near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, chronologically lists the names of 58,318 Americans who gave their lives in service to their country during the Vietnam War.
Kylah Doherty, spokesperson for America’s Freedom Traveling Tribute, said, “Roaming the heartlands of America, our mission is to bring our traveling Veterans Tribute to communities across the land. It recognizes their service, preserves their stories, and fosters a sense of gratitude and respect throughout the U.S.A. in recognition of their sacrifices for our freedom. All the while, enlightening young Americans about the profound contributions of our veterans.
“The 80% replica wall provides communities with an incredible opportunity to pay respect to our veterans, honor the fallen, and remember the sacrifice made by so many in service of our great country.
“Our tribute is a sight to see. With our beautiful bronze panels and detailed graphics, the names are etched in white so they are so clearly seen.”
For more information, contact Steve Arrison, 501-321-2027.
