A traveling replica of DC's Vietnam Memorial Wall has arrived in Oklahoma. What to know

Jana Hayes, The Oklahoman
·1 min read
Volunteers help assemble an 80% scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall at Fort Reno in El Reno, Oklahoma. The wall will be on display Sept. 28, 29 and 30.
Volunteers help assemble an 80% scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall at Fort Reno in El Reno, Oklahoma. The wall will be on display Sept. 28, 29 and 30.
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EL RENO — A smaller-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be on display at the former U.S. Army cavalry post of Fort Reno.

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute wall is an 80% scale replica of the memorial in Washington, D.C., standing eight feet tall at the center and covering 360 feet. The names of 990 Oklahoma servicemembers who died in the war are on the wall.

The wall was being erected Wednesday, and an opening ceremony will be at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, featuring active-duty soldiers presenting the colors. The wall will be open to the public at the Fort Reno parade grounds until Saturday, Sept. 30.

Gates will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, and the U.S. Cavalry Association at Fort Reno will also be holding its annual Bivouac and National Cavalry Competition.

There also will be 75 panels, called the Cost of Freedom Tribute, with the names of those who died serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait, and the first responders who died in 9/11.

Bill Tempero, president of the U.S. Cavalry Association at Fort Reno, said even for those who don't know someone on the wall, it can be a meaningful experience to attend.

"It's just giving thanks for the people who gave their lives for our freedom," Tempero said. "We can't forget them."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Vietnam War memorial wall replica on display at Fort Reno in Oklahoma