Prepare for a summer of reverence and gratitude in Hutchinson as local veterans groups orchestrate two events to honor the sacrifices of servicemen and women and their families.
McLeod County Veterans Memorial Park will witness the unveiling of a new addition on Memorial Day: a new Gold Star Families monument. Dedicated to the families of fallen soldiers, the monument will stand as a testament to the enduring impact of their sacrifice.
Following this solemn occasion, Hutchinson will play host to a significant national event: The Wall That Heals. Scheduled for a five-day visit Aug. 22-25, the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial will offer a poignant and educational experience to the local community.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for Hutchinson, and we are more than honored to be hosting this patriotic event,” said Dave Skoog, a Hutchinson resident and Vietnam veteran who is among those organizing the events. “It will be a very patriotic and emotional week.”
The Wall That Heals exhibit includes a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center. The 29th season of The Wall That Heals tour began in Hilo, Hawaii, in January, and will visit 33 communities during the year. The traveling exhibit honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
“We look forward to providing our host communities a healing experience for local veterans and their families and an educational experience for all visitors,” Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF, said in a news release. “Our ability to bring this exhibit throughout the nation to honor and remember all those who served in the Vietnam War is more important than ever. We want to ensure that the Vietnam generation never forget how much we appreciate their service today.”
Nearly 100 communities sought the opportunity to host The Wall That Heals in 2024. Skoog said he feels fortunate Hutchinson was among the chosen, having worked for the past three years to bring it to the city.
Many details remain to be finalized, but one thing Skoog knows is that volunteers will be needed, as will financial donations to support the volunteer effort. People interested in helping can contact Skoog at 320-582-3345.
The Wall That Heals will roll into town Aug. 20, for which Skoog said he’s working on a procession that will include police and fire department personnel, as well as 200 or more motorcycle riders who are members in different veteran organizations.
The 375-foot long memorial and Education Center will be assembled Aug. 21, then opened to the public Aug. 22 for a four-day run. The display includes 24-hour guards, guides who assist visitors in locating names on the wall, an information tent, food truck and other attractions.
“Lots of volunteers will be working with the organizers,” Skoog said. “We know that local businesses and individuals will help support this venture, as all of this patriotic area does.”
For more information, visit www.thewallthathealshutchinson.com.
GOLD STAR FAMILIES MEMORIAL
Skoog is also among those working to bring a new monument honoring Gold Star families to McLeod County Veterans Memorial Park, of which he is vice president.
Also working on the project include Jeff Sterner, a park board member and commander of the Wisnted American Legion. Tim Burley, Susie Maki and Brian Ponath are providing assistance on creation of the monument and base.
In the past, Skoog said, Gold Star Mothers were honored, not the entire family of a soldier, “so we are dedicating this memorial to the entire family.”
“This will all be completed by Memorial Day and will be a great tribute to families of fallen service personnel of all wars,” Skoog said.
Donations to the monument can be sent to McLeod County Veterans Memorial Park, P.O. Box 126, Hutchinson, MN 55350
