According to a press release from Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino’s office, this replica is 80 percent the size of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and features the names of U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The tribute also includes the “Cost of Freedom” displays, honoring every U.S. military action since World War I, including 9/11.

“Dutchess County is incredibly proud to bring the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall to Bowdoin Park, honoring the service and sacrifice of more than 58,000 soldiers,” said County Executive Serino. “This event offers a unique opportunity for us to show our respect and gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and allows our community to come together in recognition of the brave service members who never received a proper ‘welcome home.’”

The display, running through September 22nd, was organized by Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche, a Lourdes alumnus from the Class of 2000. Roche noted, “Acknowledging the names of the fallen is a sacred experience for surviving veterans, often evoking emotions and memories long held inside. We are honored to bring this important tribute to Dutchess County, giving veterans and their families a chance to see their loved ones’ names and hopefully find some closure. We’re grateful to the veteran agencies, volunteers, County departments, especially the Parks division, and community organizations who helped make this unforgettable experience possible.”

AVTT is an independent organization, committed to traveling the U.S. to honor and remember those who served and pay tribute to those who gave all in service. Built in 1998, AVTT’s Traveling Vietnam Wall is the largest replica Wall traveling the U.S. It provides those who are not able to visit the memorial in Washington D.C. with the opportunity to honor and pay tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War.