Since 1984, the traveling half size replica of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial has been touring the country. When a man by the name of John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of “The Wall.” He then vowed to share that experience with those who may not have to opportunity to go to Washington DC to see it in person.
Volunteers, John Devitt, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver and other Vietnam veterans built the Moving Wall. It went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October 1984. The structures of the Moving Wall now travel the US from April through November.
The American Legion Post 16 in Walsenburg is bringing the Moving Vietnam Wall to Walsenburg Colorado. The plan is to have it displayed at the Spanish Peaks Regional Hospital. The display will be June 18-20, 2021 and the American Legion is looking for companies or individuals to join with them in the promotion of this project.
It is costly to provide the display. The Moving Wall is owned and operated by The Vietnam Combat Veterans, Inc. They charge a display fee, and promotion, advertising, insurance, porta-potties, security and other necessities to provide for the convenience and safety of visitors.
In this unprecedented time of COVID, they also need to abide by all the current CDC, State of Colorado and Las Animas/Huerfano County Department of Health and Safety guidelines. This may include the wearing of masks, social distancing, hand sanitizers and other safety measures.
Post 16 is a 502c(19) Veterans Organization and any donation would be tax deductible.
If you are a veteran or know of one, now matter when they served, you know the emotional feel the Vietnam Wall brings with it. By tradition, only Vietnam Veterans may erect the Wall upon arrival and again when they retire it at the end of the display here in Walsenburg.
Veterans come to see the names of their buddies. Most of them are eager to tell about their friend and how he died. Many remember the day in great detail and speak of what’s called survivor guilt. “He went out on patrol in my place that day.” Or “If I hadn’t been away on R & R, he wouldn’t be dead”. Others are bothered that they couldn’t remember much about their friend because they had tried to “block it out” for so many years.
Many people visit the Wall in privacy or cover of darkness. Security people have reported there are usually only a few minutes each night when the Wall has no callers. In the past, one visitor spent several hours in the middle of the night standing in front of a certain panel. Still others come in the darkness, before dawn, to watch the sun rise over the wall. Many come just to pay their respects to the men who did come back.
Any person, organization, group, business, or government entity that donates will be acknowledged at the site by placing their name on a donation board during the days of display. Volunteers are needed for escorts, clean-up, set up, welcome tables and other tasks. Volunteers will be welcomed and DO NOT need to be Veterans.
American Legion Post 16 is extending the invitation to volunteer and participate to east to Kansas, west to Durango, north to Denver and south into New Mexico. Please contact one of the following in individuals if you would like to participate.
Gary Baldwin. 719-738-2801
David Rogers. 719-738-9965
Brian Chiquette. 719-742-3003
Conservative estimates from the Vietnam Combat Veterans and others who have sponsored the Moving Wall place the cost of the display from $10,000-$15000, or more. This is why Post 16 is asking for your assistance. Any amount would be appreciated and 100% of the funds will be utilized on the Wall project
If you would like to make a donation, please send your check to
American Legion Post 16, PO BOX 104, Walsenburg, CO. 81089
Bringinthesheaves 
You can’t imagine how THRILLED I am to see that this Wall will be visiting Walsenburg and ESPECIALLY at Spanish Peaks VA Community Living Center area! I just got my Vietnam Vet Marine Corpsman brother into that great facility after he had a stroke and a pacemaker during a “visit” to Colorado from Tennessee. He’s ALWAYS wanted to see the National VietNam War Memorial in D.C after I spoke to him about it when I used to live in the D.C area. NOW, he’s only been at SPVCLC for 2 weeks and I saw this on the internet and jumped on the phone to tell him it will be in his “OWN BACKYARD”! He’s tickled to death, as will be ALL those Vets, Gold Star parents and widows of VET that are fortunate enough to live in that glorious place with the glorious views of Spanish Peaks!
THANK YOU American Legion #16! Wish I could volunteer, but I’ll send some money to help out! God BLESS your plans!
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We are thrilled that you are thrilled! Thank you for your donation to Legion #16
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