By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager
As part of celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in Lakeside, The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will make its only Ohio 2026 appearance on the Hotel Lakeside Lawn from May 28-June 1.
According to the wall’s website: “The Wall is a three-fifths 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 is made from powder-coated aluminum and was completed in 2006 after a year of construction by members of the Florida organization Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard. The group hosts one of the largest veteran reunions in the country every year. Doc Rucco, manager for The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Mall, said building a wall wasn’t part of their plans. However, when they met for their annual get-together in 2005, something was missing.
“We had a contract with a wall company to come in every year,” said Rucco, who was a Navy hospital corpsman from 1982-90. “One year, they didn’t show up. We said, ‘We’re going to build our own.’ Everybody thought we were crazy. The following year at our reunion, we unveiled the wall.”
It didn’t take long for Rucco to start getting calls about the possibility of taking it to towns around Florida. The route eventually stretched north to Ohio and west to Dallas. Rucco travels to about 18 events a year from April to November.
He said there are people who attend events who haven’t been to the wall in Washington, D.C., so they’re seeing a family member, friend or fellow service member etched on the wall for the first time.
“I’ve never been at an event where somebody hasn’t come to see a name on the wall,” Rucco said. “Many of them say they will never make it to Washington. For some, it’s the first step in the healing process for something that they’ve been carrying around for 50 years.”
The wall also has special meaning for Rucco. His cousin’s name is on it.
“I promised my aunt many years ago that as long as I was able, my cousin wouldn’t be forgotten,” Rucco said. “It’s an honor to be able to take it around and show people.”
Veterans will receive free two-hour admission to view the memorial wall upon presenting a valid Veteran ID at the gates. On Saturday, May 30, Lakeside will offer free admission and parking for Ottawa County residents. Residents may pick up passes at the Welcome Center in the South Gate Parking Lot off Route 163. Proof of Ottawa County residency, such as a valid driver’s license or a bill with your home address, is required.
“I just encourage everybody to come out and see it,” Rucco said. “Even if you’ve been to Washington, D.C., it’s quite an experience. It’s not often that it’s in your town or near your town, so take the time to come out and visit.”
FLYOVER
Flight of the Flags will provide the B-25, and Lake Erie Warbirds will provide the TBM Avenger, which will fly over The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall on Thursday, May 28, at 4 p.m. to honor and salute those who have served.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed to monitor the exhibit throughout its stay at Lakeside. At least 20 volunteers are also needed to assist with load-in and load-out. Volunteers must be ages 18+. Load-in is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, and load-out will take place on Tuesday, June 2. Register to volunteer.
