American Veterans Traveling Tribute coming to East Brunswick for Memorial Day
Just in time for Memorial Day, Central Jersey residents will have the chance to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country when the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) makes a stop in East Brunswick.
AVTT Vietnam Wall is coming to the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, from May 23-27, according to VFW Memorial Post 133.
The AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall is an 80% replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Wall contains the names of U.S. Military personnel who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Accompanying the Wall will be Cost of Freedom tributes to every U.S. military action since World War I.
Built in 1998, AVTT’s Traveling Vietnam Wall provides those who are not able to visit the memorial in Washington D.C. with the opportunity to honor and pay tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War.
VFW Post 133 Commanding Officer Tom Coohill, who served on two heavy cruisers as a Gunner's Mate in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, came up with the idea to bring the wall to the township about four months ago.
"Over the years, it has come to different towns, but hasn't been to East Brunswick," he said. "I think it was long overdue in our town. We have a lot of Vietnam veterans in our area, especially in Middlesex County. A lot of veterans can't travel to Washington D.C. to see it so we're bringing it to them. I think the want and need is there. It's very important to us."
Coohill suggested the idea to post member Anthony Finello, a U.S. Army veteran that served in the Vietnam War, who jumped onboard.
Coohill also reached out to the mayor and other township officials, who thought it was a great idea.
"It started small," Coohill said. "We set up a few committees to look into bringing the Traveling Wall to the Township and it just got bigger and bigger. We got a lot of help from the VFW Post 133 Auxiliary, as well as the township and the county."
The VFW also embarked on a fundraising campaign.
"The community has been very generous," Coohill said. "The township, as well as our police and fire departments, have been very generous in supporting our efforts to raise the funds. It cost us about $15,000 to bring it here."
"The East Brunswick community is thrilled to be hosting the VFW Vietnam Memorial Wall over the Memorial Day holiday," Mayor Brad Cohen said in a statement. "Please come out to the Community Arts Center to see the wall and pay respects to the many men and women who gave their lives preserving our freedoms. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten."
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At about 10 a.m. May 22, a welcome motorcade will escort the wall from Brunswick Square Mall on Route 18 southbound to the Community Arts Center, where the tribute will be assembled.
Participants include members of VFW Memorial Post 133; police, fire, and EMTs; Rolling Thunder' the Blue Knights, and past national commander of the VFW, George Lisicki, who will serve as Grand Marshal, Coohill said.
Members of the VFW Post 133 and other posts from throughout the district will guard the wall 24/7, Coohill said.
Several events are planned during the visit. All other times will be for reflection.
An opening ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. May 23 at the Community Center. Following the ceremony, the Wall will be open to visitorsfromMay 23 through Memorial Day, May 27.
East Brunswick Township will host its annual Memorial Day Observance at the Wall at 10 a.m. May 26 to commemorate U.S. Military personnel who gave their lives in service to their country.
Weather permitting, a Blackhawk Helicopter is expected to arrive at the site at 9 a.m. May 27. At 10 a.m., the VFW Memorial Post 133 will hold its Memorial Day observance at the site. A closing service will be held at 6 p.m.
AVTT is a multi-division nationally recognized veteran owned and operated small business, according to its website. Their mission is to travel the United States showcasing the Traveling Vietnam Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute to honor, respect and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. They also hope to educate the present and future generations of Americans about our historical past, whilesupporting veterans, their family members and Veteran causes through its nonprofit - The Texas Freedom Tribute, the website says.
For additional information, visit www.eastbrunswick.org/MemorialWall, for a schedule of events, which is continuously being updated, or contact VFW Post 133 Commanding Officer Tom Coohill at VFWPOST133@Yahoo.com, or 732-254-8864.
Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com
Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: American Veterans Traveling Tribute coming to East Brunswick
