Vietnam Replica Memorial Wall Dedication

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A dream more than ten years in the making is complete with the dedication of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica Wall in Tupelo.

Barbara Rushing knew all along this day would come, and she didn’t waste any time finding her brother’s name, 24 year old Don A Boozer.

The Fulton woman got the idea for the memorial at Veteran’s Park after a traveling replica came to the area 16 years ago. In 2007, the Vietnam Replica Wall Committee began raising money.

It took seven months, and more than 1 million dollars to build the memorial. The wall is 60 percent the size of the monument in Washington DC.

“It had to be done right or not do it at all. I’ve been to a lot of memorials in several different states and this is tops to me,” Rushing said.

There are more than 58,000 names on the black granite wall. Vietnam veterans at this ceremony served with those whose names are on the wall. They say having the monument close to home helps the long healing process.

“This wall is going to make a lot of people feel, get rid of the pain, got a place to relieve what they came home with,” said Glenn Parish.

“A lot of our veterans are finally getting the honor they need,” said Carolyn Goldsborough.

“I hope we keep all this kind of opportunities available for the veterans, we came home to a lot of turmoil, name calling, but we’re here today to celebrate, I’m glad to be here, proud to be an American,” said Sam Mosley.

This memorial wall will also serve as an educational tool. Students visit the site and learn about the sacrifices our service members make for democracy.

The Tupelo Vietnam Wall was paid for through private donations, along with money from the city and state.