The Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall
PURPOSE
Dignity Memorial funeral, cremation and cemetery providers created a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. , as a service to those who might never visit the nation’s capital to experience “The Wall” firsthand. Dedicated to Vietnam veterans and honoring all U.S. service-men and women, the three quarter scale, faux granite replica is a 240 feet long, eight feet high and contains the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in Vietnam. It brings healing to veterans, awareness to younger generations and contemplation to all who gaze into its reflective surface.
HISTORY
Dignity Memorial providers created the traveling memorial in 1990. Since its inception the exhibit has crisscrossed the country, making stops in more than 200 cities from Buffalo, New York to Oceanside, California. Millions of visitors have seen and touched its black, mirror-like surface, inscribed with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for flag and country. Every exhibition is a community sponsored event and involves the support and assistance of local veterans groups and civic organizations.
WELCOME
The City of Piedmont and its citizens along with Chapel Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens of Oklahoma City, your local Dignity Memorial funeral provider, have worked with countless volunteers and civic organizations to bring this amazing display to Stout Field.
We feel very privileged to welcome you and your family on your visit to help honor our fallen heroes. We thank you for your time and hope you have found a moment of solace and reflection in this unforgettable event.
Chapel Hill Funeral Home
and Memorial Gardens
8701 Northwest Expressway
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73162
(405)721-3182
City of Piedmont
Piedmont, Oklahoma
Thursday, July 2, 2009
EDUCATIONAL DAY
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Flag Ceremony............................................................. Larry Inman
Posting of Colors............................ Disabled American Veterans
Chapter #85
Friday, July 3, 2009
OPENING CEREMONIES
10:00 a.m.
It is our pleasure to dedicate our opening
Ceremonies to all Gold Star Families
Master of Ceremonies................................ Judge Ken Dickerson
Navy Veteran
A-1 Skyraider................................................................ Larry Butler
Pilot
Oklahoma Army Guard............................. The 145th Army Band
Posting of Colors........................ US Marine Corps Honor Guard
Pledge of Allegiance............................................. The Boy Scouts
Troop 734 and 374
“The Star-Spangled Banner”................... Mary Nell Brueggen
Invocation................................................. Reverend Gary Caldwell
First Baptist Church of Piedmont
Reading of Proclamation................................. John Bickerstaff
CMSgt, USAF Retired, Vietnam Veteran
Opening Remarks.................. Jeremy Sparks, General Manager
Chapel Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens
Welcome............................................................................. Mike Fina
Mayor, City of Piedmont, Oklahoma
Guest Speakers:
........................................................................................... Jari Askins
Lieutenant Governor, State of Oklahoma
.......................................................... James Michael McCormack
Brigadier General, Assistant Adjutant
Oklahoma Air National Guard
............................................................................... Jennifer Graham
Colonel, USAF, Commander,
71st Mission Support Group, Vance AFB, Oklahoma
Lying of Wreaths:
.............................................................................................. Jim Swaim
Lt Col, US Army Retired, Vietnam Veteran
............................................................................................ Gary Layton
US Coast Guard, Vietnam Veteran
......................................................................................... Darrell Booth
US Marine Corps, Vietnam Veteran
............................................................................................ Bill Whitten
Col, US Air Force Retired, Vietnam Veteran
................................................................................................. Jim West
US Navy, Vietnam Veteran
Reading of Canadian County Fallen Heroes..........................
..................................................................................... John Bickerstaff
CMSgt, USAF Retired, Vietnam Veteran
Benediction.............................................. Reverend Gary Caldwell
“Amazing Grace”....................................................... Robert Bruce
Highlanders Pipe Major
3 Volley Salute......................................... US Marine Corps Guard
“Taps”........................................................... Bugles Across America
Retiring of Colors................................... US Marine Corps Guard
Saturday, July 4, 2009
10:00 a.m.
Flag Ceremony............................................................. Larry Inman
8:30 p.m.
Master of Ceremonies............................................. Darrell Booth
USMC, Vietnam Veteran
Posting of Colors................................ Mustang American Legion
Post #353
Pledge of Allegiance............................................. The Boy Scouts
Troop 734 and 374
Invocation................................................... Reverend Craig Eidson
Spring Creek Worship Center
Piedmont, Oklahoma
“The Star-Spangled Banner” .............................. Rick Marcotte
Guest Speaker.................................................. Judge Robert Davis
Vietnam Veteran
POW/MIA Ceremony...................................................... Mike Bell
CMSgt USAF Retired, Vietnam Veteran
Candlelight Ceremony.....................................................................
Benediction................................................ Reverend Craig Eidson
“Amazing Grace”....................................................... Robert Bruce
Highlanders Pipe Major
3 Volley Salute......................................... US Marine Corps Guard
“Taps”........................................................... Bugles Across America
Retiring of Colors.............................. Mustang American Legion
Post #353
CLOSING CEREMONIES
6:00 p.m.
Master of Ceremonies................................................ Leon Meyer
MSgt, USAF Retired, Vietnam Veteran
Posting of Colors............................ Disabled American Veterans
Chapter #85
Invocation..................................................... Reverend Darrik Acre
Piedmont Church of the Nazarene
“The Star-Spangled Banner” ................................... James Belt
Guest Speaker............................................................ Pete Peterson
Col (R) US Army
Benediction.................................................. Reverend Darrik Acre
“Amazing Grace”....................................................... Robert Bruce
Highlanders Pipe Major
3 Volley Salute................................ Disabled American Veterans
Chapter #85
“Taps”.......................................................... Bugles Across America
Retiring of Colors..............................................................................
A time to remember,
reflect and heal.