PANAMA CITY— Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, along with a younger generation of veterans, are set to be honored at a local VFW post.
The Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance honors the lives lost in the United States’ effort to combat terrorism at home and around the world.
VFW Post 2185 at 2136 Sherman Ave. in Panama City is hosting the wall on its front lawn between Oct. 10 and Oct. 14.
Escort for the wall kicks off on Oct. 9, and it is expected to reach the VFW no later than 2 p.m. for assembly. The opening ceremony will start at 5 p.m. on Oct. 10, with guest speakers sharing stories of their service and the history of the wall.
Throughout the four days, the VFW will host daily meals and events. On Oct. 11, there will be a gathering of veteran service organizations sharing information on resources available to veterans and active duty in Bay County between 2 and 6 p.m.
A closing ceremony is slated to take place Oct. 13 at 5:30 p.m., featuring more guest speakers, followed by a candlelight vigil.
The wall is 120 feet long, with one side explaining the timeline of the global war on terror and the other showcasing names of those whose lives were lost.
Organizer Alex Butler said the wall is personal to her. She served in Southwest Asia in 2012 as an Air Force ammo troop and has friends whose names are on the wall. Butler said the events and the wall itself can bring together a younger generation of veterans and tell the military story.
“The Vietnam Wall is really what gave me the idea to bring it here because I saw the impact it had on family and friends, and it was a long-lasting impact,” Butler said. “I wanted the next generation events to have the same thing.”
She also hopes that local GWOT veterans can be inspired by the wall, get more involved in institutions such as the VFW and can carry forward the traditions and community. Butler also said she believes this can bridge the gap between younger and older veterans.
She said that they had many donors, highlighting the demand for this event.
“People should come just to see the sacrifices that were made for them. People don’t realize the impact that the global war on terror had on local families,” Butler said. “We have gold star families coming, we have widows coming, we have kids coming, old friends, battle buddies. Names that we just don’t talk about every day that live with us every day in our hearts.”
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Global War on Terror Remembrance Wall coming to Panama City VFW post
Reporting by Dylan Gentile, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
