Alexandria to host Vietnam Veterans' events displaced by DC parade

[mahatmakanejeeves]

News
Alexandria to host Vietnam Veterans’ events displaced by DC parade

By Ryan Belmore
Published May 15, 2025 at 8:00PM


The Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C. (via VVMF)

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is moving its annual Father’s Day weekend events from Washington, D.C., to Alexandria, because of a planned military parade in the capital.

On Thursday, the VVMF announced that the In Memory Ceremony and Father’s Day Rose Remembrance will now take place at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial on June 14-15. These events have been held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for over 30 years, making this relocation a significant change.

The decision comes in response to a large military parade scheduled for June 14, celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. According to The Washington Post, the parade is expected to cost between $25 million and $45 million.

{snip}

[Grins]

1. Vietnam Vets have to move because of a Vietnam war draft-dodger

This is America today. Cherish it…

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. Vietnam veterans group wants help to cover extra costs of moving their memorial events

Vietnam veterans group wants help to cover extra costs of moving their memorial events

Alan Etter | [e-mail]
June 3, 2025, 5:11 AM

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, which coordinates the yearly “In Memory” and “Father’s Day Rose Remembrance” events on the National Mall in D.C. each year, has had to move them to Virginia this year. ... That’s because they were scheduled for Saturday, June 14, the same day as President Donald Trump’s and the Army’s military parade in D.C. Large crowds, dozens of tanks and thousands of troops are expected to swarm around the National Mall.

The organization said in May that it would be moving the events honoring those killed in the Vietnam War to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria. And it expects over 2,000 people to attend. ... There will be a 3/4 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall — also called “the Wall that Heals” — on display for the event. ... This will be the first time in 30 years that the events will be held somewhere other than the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Mall.

In an email sent to donors and others, the organization is asking for financial support because it is “facing unexpected expenses due to the relocation, and every donation contributes to ensuring that these families receive the honor they deserve.” {snip} To support the organization’s efforts, visit their website here.