Davie to host Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall April 24–27 with school escorts and ceremonies

Jeff Pullman, Davie Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director, told the council the town will host a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial at the Berson Rodeo Grounds as part of America 250 activities. "The Vietnam Memorial Wall will arrive in Davie on Thursday, April 23rd," Pullman said, describing a police escort that will pass public schools and town facilities.

The wall will be open to the public for passive viewing from Friday, April 24 at 8:00 a.m. through Monday, April 27 at 8:00 a.m., with several scheduled ceremonies featuring veterans and selected guest speakers. Pullman said Friday school field trips are coordinated with Broward County Schools and a survivor dinner and luminario ceremony are planned. Scheduled speakers include U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Thomas Snook (April 24), Col. Connie Christensen, US Army (April 25 welcoming-home ceremony), and other local veterans and families who will highlight service branches and read names from the memorial.

Pullman said the Veterans Coalition is vetting guest speakers and that staff, Davie Police and the Veterans Coalition will staff the site 24 hours during the memorial. "Each ceremony will include a presentation of colors from local honor guards... and the reading of at least 15 names from the memorial," he said, and added that the coalition can assist families who want a particular name read.

The council congratulated staff on the planning work and affirmed the town's role as host for the multi-day event; no formal vote was required to proceed with the community-hosting plan.