FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) – The “Moving Wall” honors more than 58,000 names of those who bravely sacrificed their lives in Vietnam.
The goal is to provide all Americans the opportunity to pay homage to the Vietnam Veterans who gave their lives for our Country.
Bruce Mallick is a Vietnam Veteran. He wears his Purple Heart with pride and appreciation of life.
Mallick explained the Purple Heart represents just how close he came to being on the wall. He is thankful to be here today and honors the 50 people he knew on the wall.
“I think of them. I think of myself, as old as I am. I’ve made it this long. Some of them… Their lives were cut short,” Mallick said.
Mallick said he’s never seen the wall in D.C. but each time he sees the traveling wall he has a good cry. He anticipates a good cry later today during the ceremony.
Friend of Mallick, Eddie Collins served in Vietnam as a draftee.
He holds onto the memories of his closest friend, Phillip Dearing, whose life was cut short in the line of duty.
Collins explained about a dozen of his closest friends volunteered to fight, serving the needs of our Country and they paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Collins said, “They didn’t have to do it. But they did do it. Nobody goes to war to loose. Nobody goes to war to die.”
“They gave their lives for their country. We never lost a battle in Vietnam… But we lost the war,” Collins adds.
Francis Marion University will hold an opening ceremony at 5PM Thursday with Medal of Honor winner and Vietnam Veteran General James E. Livingston. The public is invited to the opening ceremony.
The wall will be open throughout the day until Sunday.
