The Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall is now in New Braunfels. It arrived at Tree of Life Church this week.
Tree of Life Mission Director Neal Donop welcomes people to come out an spend some time taking a look at the 80 percent scale replica of the memorial in Washington D.C.
“The wall is open 24 hours a day. We have it guarded by veterans around the clock,” said Donop. “And we have some volunteers here, helping with the name location software program, where you can come up and give the person’s name and we can tell you what panel they’re on and what line.”
Hundreds of people have already visited. “Some are very, very quiet, very reflective,” said Donop. “We had one gentleman who brought 11 roses for the 11 men that he knew. You know, there’s tears, there’s contemplation. These men and women don’t typically say a whole lot, but it’s very meaningful to them.”
A ceremony will take place on Memorial Day. The wall will remain at the church until June 5. Tree of Life is located on the northbound I-35 Access Road at Engle Road on the south side of New Braunfels.
Memorial Day Weekend Schedule
Saturday, May 28, 2016
- Sunrise: 6:35 Sunset: 20:27
- Reveille - 7a.m. - Posting of colors, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem
- All day exhibit viewing
- Midday Ceremony - 12p.m. to 2p.m.; Posting of colors, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem; Showcase Local Veterans, Laying of a wreath at the 911 tribute by local veterans.
- Taps - at sunset - Retrieval of colors
Sunday, May 29, 2016
- Sunrise: 6:35 Sunset: 20:28
- Reveille - 7a.m. - Posting of colors, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem
- All day exhibit viewing
- 9 a.m. Church Service
- 11 a.m. Church Service
- 1 p.m. – Laying of a wreath at the 911 Tribute by Tree of Life Church. Brief Speech & Ceremony
- Music all day - Looped patriotic music
- Taps - at sunset - Retrieval of colors
Monday, May 30, 2016
- Sunrise: 6:35 Sunset: 20:29
- Reveille - 7a.m. - Posting of colors, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem
- All day exhibit viewing
- 11a.m. to 2p.m. – Church-wide Picnic at the Wall & Barbecue/Cookout - For all Veterans
- Vietnam Veteran / Sponsor Day - Laying of a wreath at the 911 Tribute by sponsors - 12 pm
- 1p.m. – Ceremony – Speaker, 21-gun salute, flyover, taps, flag lowering
- Ride to The Wall (motorcycles) - Ride to The Wall event
- Music all day - Looped patriotic & worship music - not live
- Taps - at sunset - Retrieval of colors
