Somerville to Host 'The Moving Wall' Vietnam Veterans Memorial

SOMERVILLE, MA — Somerville has been announced as a host city on this year’s nationwide tour of The Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Moving Wall has been traveling to cities and towns across the country for nearly forty years to give those who can’t get to Washington a chance to experience the power of the memorial.

This fall, it makes its way to Somerville for the first time, setting up in the Mass General Brigham Great Lawn at Assembly Row from Nov. 10-14.

Like the original monument, The Moving Wall displays the names of more than 58,000 American service members who died in the Vietnam War. The Somerville Department of Veterans’ Services worked to bring the memorial to Somerville to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to give many in the community an opportunity they may never otherwise have.

“We are honored to host The Moving Wall in Somerville for the first time this year,” Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said in a statement. “This is one way we can pay our respects to our past and present service members and families and allow our younger generations to gain a new understanding of American history. Visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in person is often a profound, emotional experience, and I’m grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to deliver this opportunity to our community. I hope it brings healing to veterans and their loved ones in Somerville and beyond, and I look forward to welcoming The Moving Wall and its visitors this November.”

During its five-day stay, members of the public can visit the wall and make crayon rubbings of names. Grief counselors from the Boston Vet Center will be available and volunteers will be onsite to assist visitors 24 hours a day.

“The Moving Wall is intended to pay homage to these great American heroes who courageously served and fought in such divisive conflict,” Director of Veterans’ Services Ted Louis-Jacques said in a statement. “I am thrilled to recognize the men and women who paved the way forward for future service members and remember the more than 58,000 souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. Heroism comes in many forms, but to give one’s life while serving is one of the truest forms. This is a unique opportunity for us to pay our respect to our Somerville Vietnam War veterans.”

With the added distinction of hosting the wall over Veterans Day weekend, the Somerville Department of Veterans’ Services will lead the grand opening and official ceremony at the memorial on Friday, Nov. 11. For volunteer opportunities and more information, contact Veterans’ Services at 617-625-6600 ext. 4700 or veterans@somervillema.gov.