Traveling tribute coming to Kokomo

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Cost of Freedom Tribute

The American Veterans Traveling Tribune is a depiction of the sacrifices made throughout the history of our country. It consists of:

• Displays representing statistics from every war/conflict that the United State has been involved in.

• A series of World War II panels portraying the entire timeline of events.

• A Korean War tribute representing the timeline of the entire conflict with corresponding battle maps and photos.

• The Traveling Vietnam Wall, an 80 percent replica, the largest of its kind, of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The “wall” stretches over 380 feet from end to end and contains 58,253 names. It is current through 2009 and is constantly being updated to accurately pay tribute to those who died during the Vietnam war.

• A timeline, series of facts and figures, and a display of art from Vietnam veteran artists depicting patriotic and veteran themes.

• A display of USA founding and significant historical documents, including the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

• Panels for honoring law enforcement and firefighters with pictorial display.

• A panel memorializing the casualties of the Foot Hood 2009 shooting.

• Pictures of each of our commanders in chief throughout history.

• A 9/11 tribute with the names of all 2,984 casualties organized by where they were located at the time of death.

• The AVTT “Gold Dog Tag” display. This one-of-a-kind tribute honors those who have fallen and to which there is not currently a memorial for their honor and remembrance. Each dog tag permanently records the casualty information (full name, branch of service, rank, date and location of casualty) for that American hero. This tribute is updated constantly and would be accurate to the day it would arrive at your location. Currently the AVTT Gold Dog Tag display is the tribute to those who have fallen 1) In hostile military actions between the end of Vietnam and the 9/11 attack and 2) As a member of the armed forces who have given their life in the Global War on Terror.

— American Veterans Traveling Tribute

If you go

• What: American Veterans Traveling Tribute

• When: Sept. 29 through Oct. 2

• Where: General Motors Component Holdings parking lot at Boulevard and U.S. 31

• Cost: No charge

Discussion

July 20, 2011

Replica of Vietnam Wall and other memorials part of freedom display.

By Ken de la Bastide Tribune enterprise editor The Kokomo Tribune Wed Jul 20, 2011, 01:00 AM EDT

Kokomo — The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is making a cross-country tour, with only one stop in Indiana.

That stop will be in Kokomo, thanks to the efforts of Chapter 28 of the Disabled American Veterans, Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight said during Tuesday’s press conference announcing the upcoming event.

The traveling tribute will include a replica of the Vietnam Wall, a World War II and Korean conflict tribute, Walk of Heroes Collection, 9/11 tribute, Fort Hood tribute and police and fire tribute.

“This is a great testament to the Kokomo and Howard County men and women who fought and served,” said Howard County Commissioner Tyler Moore, who is co-chairing the event with Goodnight.

The mayor talked about his visit to the Vietnam Wall memorial in Washington, D.C.

“It was a touching moment,” he said, “to watch family and friends looking for someone who was close to them.”

It’s an experience he said will now be available to local residents when the tribute stops here.

Goodnight encouraged area residents to be an ambassador for the community when welcoming visitors.

During its stop in Kokomo, the traveling tribute will be continuously accessible from noon Sept. 29 until 3 p.m. Oct. 2. Opening ceremonies will be noon Sept. 29 and an educational day for students will be Sept. 30, said Jerry Fivecoate, commander of DAV Chapter 28. At some point during the tribute’s stay there will be a wreath laying by police and firefighters.

A motorcycle escort will guide the tribune from Wabash to its four-day home in the General Motors Component Holdings’ parking lot at the corner of Boulevard and U.S. 31. As many as 65 volunteers will be needed each day of the tribute’s stay.

Steve Daily, chairman of the board of directors of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, said it’s an important event for individuals and the community.

“We expect thousands of people to come to our community,” Daily said. “There will be an economic impact as they buy gas, food and shop.

“This is the type of event we want to bring to Kokomo,” he said. “It shows off our community and the good things happening in Kokomo.”

Rick Riddle, chairman of the annual Military Appreciation Days, said it took seven months to bring the tribute to Kokomo. He said it’s a great way to honor Howard County veterans.

When veterans pass away, Moore said, future generations lose out on lessons.

“Events like this are important to our veterans and our children,” Moore said. “This is a reminder of the cost paid for our freedoms, freedoms that we take for granted.”

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