Traveling tribute honors past heroes

  • Published
  • By Staff. Sgt. Roy Lynch
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Communities in and around Boise, Idaho, paid tribute to The Traveling Wall, Sept. 17-21, honoring the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the service of this country.

The Traveling Wall is a three-fifth scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.; it stands six-feet-tall at the center and covers almost 300-feet from end-to-end. The wall stands as a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.

American Veterans Traveling Tribute and Texas Freedom Tribute joined forces to travel the United States bringing the Cost of Freedom Tribute and The Traveling Wall to American communities.

Each tribute will have the opportunity to establish a unique event centered on patriotism and the American spirit while being able to raise funds to support local causes.

"The 366th Fighter Wing Honor Guard laid wreaths alongside Vietnam veterans, along with members from the Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard," said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Mackey, NCO in charge of the Honor Guard.

Senior Airman Alexander Young, 726th Air Control Squadron material control journeyman, laid a wreath alongside a veteran Linda Hawley who served during the Vietnam War.

"Being among these veterans gives me a sense of pride," said Young. "It's a humbling experience because one day I will be a veteran."

The Traveling Wall was made for the purpose of helping heal and rekindle friendships and to allow people the opportunity to visit loved ones in their home town who otherwise may not be able to make the trip to Washington D.C.

"The traveling wall encompasses the heroism and sadness of our brothers and sisters," said Hawley. "It reminds me of their sacrifice and the sacrifices or military makes today, just so we can enjoy our freedoms."