Video: "The Wall That Heals" Arrives In North Reading

NORTH READING, Ma. - A tribute to all who served in the Vietnam War arrived in North Reading Tuesday. The caravan came down Park Street and crossed Main Street around 4:50 p.m., led by flag carrying motorcycles and a police escort.

Beginning Thursday and in town until Sunday, the Ipswich River Park will host "The Wall That Heals," a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The Wall That Heals is a 375-foot, three-quarter scale replica of the memorial that's located in Washington, DC bearing the names of more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U. S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War.

On Thursday at 6 p.m., North Reading Veterans Director Susan Magner will act as the Master of Ceremonies at the POW/MIA Ceremony. The Presentation of the Colors will be done by the US Navy Honor Guard, followed by the National Anthem by Kerrin Mullen. Reverend Richard Hughes of the Congregational Church will give the invocation. To honor POW/MIA, the Missing Man Table Ceremony and Drill Presentation will follow. North Reading Select Board member Andrew Schultz is the local guest speaker with Senator Bruce Tarr the honored guest speaker. Next is the roll call of KIA Vietnam Veterans from local communities and a volley with taps by the North Reading Minit and Militia.

On Friday at 6 p.m., North Reading Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto will be the Master of Ceremonies at the Welcome Home ceremony. After the Presentation of Colors, Ayla Brown will sing the National Anthem. The invocation will be done by Bishop Mark O'Connell of St. Theresa's Church. Guest speakers will be State Representative and North Reading resident Brad Jones, Select Board Member Richard Wallner, and Vietnam Veteran Richard Stratton. Honored guest speakers will be Secretary Francisco Urena of the Division of Veterans Services, and Sgt Michelle O'Keefe of the USANG. After the speakers there will be a presentation to Vietnam Veterans and Gold Star Families. A volley and taps will end the night.

Saturday at 6 p.m. there will be a candlelight vigil. The US Navy Ceremonial Band will play from 6-7 p.m. and Magner will again be the Master of Ceremonies. The invocation will be done by Reverend Rachel Fisher of the Aldersgate Church. Speakers include Colonel Matthew J. Kennedy, US Army. A candlelighting will be held with Amazing Grace performed by the Fire Fighters Bag Pipers.

Sunday's closing ceremony runs from 2-3 p.m. The North Reading Police Honor Guard will present the colors, and God Bless America will be sung by Cassidy Nicholas. Farewell remarks will be given by Magner.

The event is hosted by the North Reading’s Veterans Dept., Parks & Recreation Dept. & Veterans Events Committee.