Traveling memorial wall comes to DeSoto

by Brian Allen of Best Southwest Citizen

We have so many great freedoms in this country and exercise a few of them daily on this site. This week we have a great chance to honor those who gave their lives to make sure we keep those very freedoms.

The Vietnam Memorial Wall Replica will be at DeSoto’s Grimes Park Apr 16-19 and admission is free. Ceremonies commemorating the event begin Apr. 16 at noon. The keynote speaker for the event is the Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson, representative for the 30th District of Congress.

DeSoto Mayor Bobby Waddle, retired from the U.S Air Force, will give the official welcome. Remembering the contributions of veterans is obviously near and dear to Waddle’s heart. I can envision him beaming with pride as I write this. Closing ceremonies are at 6 p.m. and Vietnam War Veteran Norm Whitlow will give some of his memories.

On April 17 the midday ceremony begins at noon and the keynote speaker will be Northwood University Professor Jack Allday. During the 6 p.m. evening ceremony, former Duncanville Fire Chief and longtime community volunteer Terry Webb will sing "America The Beautiful." I don’t know how many folks in the Best Southwest know about Webb’s talent, but he’s got quite a voice. And he’s always ready to lift that voice for a worthy cause such as this one. You’re in for a treat if you get to hear him.

From 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on April 17, there will be static displays with the Army, Navy and Air Force as well as a climbing wall and basketball goals for children.

The April 18 midday festivities include a flyover by the DFW Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and the Cold War Museum in Lancaster. On April 19 there is a 10 a.m. church service featuring a National Anthem performance by Cedar Hill Economic Development Director Allison Thompson. Nathan Timmerman of Exodus Ministries will present the non denominational message.

There are a lot of opportunities to stop by and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can live in peace, build loving homes with our families and occasionally get into heated arguments on blogs.