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Gahanna honors Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall and volunteers for five‑day exhibit
Summary
Council and mayor recognized the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall’s five‑day display in Gahanna, thanked American Legion Post 797, the Lions Club and volunteer coordinators, and noted the emotional community response and local names found on the wall.
City leaders on Oct. 6 formally recognized the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall after a five‑day exhibit at VFW Park and thanked the volunteers and veterans who organized and staffed the event.
Mayor Chadwin told council the replica wall — three‑fifths the size of the national monument and bearing 58,470 names — offered residents local access to a memorial that many cannot travel to see. “For the last 5 days … the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall … brought the names of the fallen closer to home, created a space for remembrance, reflection, and healing,” Mayor Chadwin said, noting city staff identified two Gahanna names on the display.
Mayor Chadwin and council members singled out American Legion Post 797 volunteers, naming Gary Feliceta and volunteer coordinator Darlene Molitor, and thanked Malcolm and Maggie Glasgow and the Gahanna Lions Club for sustained support. A representative of American Legion Post 797 said the effort took two years of fundraising and coordination and thanked Parks and Rec staff for their help assembling the exhibit.
Council members and several residents described visiting the exhibit as “moving” and said families, students and veterans used the site for quiet reflection and to share stories. One resident said, “Every one of those names on that wall represents a life cut short,” and thanked the organizers for bringing the wall to Gahanna.
The city presented a joint resolution and proclamation honoring the American Legion Post 797 for hosting the memorial; council formally recognized volunteers during the presentation portion of the Oct. 6 meeting. No legislative action followed the proclamation.
The presentation included hopes the community will continue to support veterans and local commemorations; city leaders said they appreciated the broad volunteer turnout that made the exhibit possible.
