Many Iowans can’t make the trip to Washington D.C. to see the solemn and patriotic national monuments there but one monument has made the trip to Iowa. A mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall opened yesterday (Sunday) in West Branch and will be there all this week. Tim Walch is director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.Walch says this is an “appropriate” time to bring the so-called moving wall to Iowa, as we’re a nation at war. It is on display across from the ellipse where President Hoover’s grave is located. Walch describes the 253-foot long mobile monument as a one-half scale aluminum replica of the monument that’s taken all across the U.S. so veterans, their families and anyone else can see the names of those who gave their lives in Vietnam. The moving wall is among two replicas that tour the country. Walch says the wall will be open to visitors 24-seven, now through 2 P.M. on Saturday, July 17th. Anytime, day or night, there will be assistants at the wall, helping visitors locate names, consoling those who need consolation, and helping those with physical needs. Walch says for some people, it helps to provide a sense of closure by seeing the names on the black wall. For more information, call (319) 643-5301 or visit “www.hoover.archives.gov”. The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is located in West Branch, just off Interstate 80 at Exit 254.
