The Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans tribute visits Waukesha for Memorial Day weekend

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A piece of our nation’s history is now in Waukesha. The Moving Wall honors Vietnam Veterans, and is here for Memorial Day weekend.

The Moving Wall is small replica of the actual Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It will stand in Frame Park for four days and leaves June 1st. With more than 58,000 names, the wall is a reminder of our nation’s fallen Vietnam heroes.

“Came close, inches, to a sniper," said veteran Richard Trawicki.

Trawicki served in Vietnam in 1965 and 1966. He does the lighting at the memorial and said he’s been to about 30 different walls. This moment is not about him but it's his way of giving back.

“You realize how good you have it here in the good ol’ United States compared to other people, and I’ll never forget that," said Trawicki.

Not far from the wall, nearly 300 flags stand and wave in salute in the Field of Honor.

“This one, for example, the flag honoree is Harold Zirbel. He was with the 25th Infantry Strawberry Lightning," said Joanna Adamicki, special events coordinator for the city of Waukesha parks, recreation and forestry department.

Dan Sciuti served in Vietnam, in the Navy, from 1970 to 1976. To him, the wall is a reminder of why he enlisted.

"I just come here to say thank you to all those men, and women, that sacrificed their lives there," said Sciuti.

The wall’s visit to Waukesha is two years in the making. It was delayed, in part, by the Coronavirus pandemic and is finally where it belongs. “I think it’s a perfect way to honor our veterans, honor the people who died in Vietnam and in all wars," said Mayor Shawn Reilly.

The official opening ceremony is at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 27 – rain or shine. All are welcome.

More information can be found here.