Event Brings Emotion and 5,000 Visitors to Campus in New Jersey
More than 5,000 residents of Morris County and beyond visited “The Moving Wall” by the time closing ceremonies were held on Monday, July 11. This half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring all Vietnam veterans and the military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation, began immediately attracting visitors upon its arrival on campus on Thursday, July 7.
Each day the formal program included a marching of the color guard and rifle salute, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the National Anthem and God Bless America, a moment for prayer, a welcome address from CCM President Dr. Anthony Iacono or Vice President for Human Resources and Labor Relations Vivyen Ray, words of gratitude from the leadership of VFW Post 7333 of Randolph and the playing of taps. Proclamations honoring the visiting memorial were also read by federal, state, county and local officials including Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus, Randolph Mayor Marie Potter and U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill.
Visitation was free with open access during the five-day tribute. Many visitors sought out the names of loved ones lost in the conflict, making “rubbings” with crayon and paper, while others left mementos. The New Jersey State Police conducted a fly-over with a helicopter on Saturday and dozens of veteran organizations and government agencies presented wreaths in honorarium.
The Moving Wall was brought into Morris County purely with donated resources and funds.
There are numerous members of the CCM community, as well as local supporters and volunteers, to thank for their time, energy and dedication resulting in the smooth orchestration for such a successful event. The Moving Wall was disassembled on Monday to begin the route to Sumner, Iowa – its next visiting location on the 2022 schedule.
The wall was constructed after John Devitt, a Vietnam veteran, attended the 1982 dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and wanted to share that experience with those who might not have the opportunity to visit it. The Moving Wall has been traveling the nation since 1984.
The five-day program at CCM with additional Moving Wall facts can be found at https://www.flipsnack.com/CACB9CEEFB5/mw-flip-6_13_22.html.
Photos taken by the CCM Marketing and Public Relations staff and by photographer Regina Farlekas may be viewed on Flickr at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/63332084@N03/albums/72177720300368710.
Videos taken by CCM Associate Director of Media Joseph Schilp may be viewed on YouTube:
The Moving Wall arrives in Morris County – https://youtu.be/HQH2TpgZZ7A
Local Leaders react to The Moving Wall – https://youtu.be/l58KTyFlijM
Opening Ceremony – https://youtu.be/zft41APkJS0
Sunday morning ceremony – https://youtu.be/o3TFOaKwVx0
Closing Ceremony – https://youtu.be/7HCPlYxEJq4
Emerson Crooks on Closing Day at The Moving Wall – https://youtu.be/R68d61TqEX0
