WILDWOOD – The Wildwoods offer not only fun events for Memorial Day Weekend but also offer a place of remembrance and reflection to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country’s freedoms at the Wildwoods Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Wildwood is located in Columbus Park, directly across from the Wildwoods Convention Center and one block from the famous Wildwoods Beach. It is a half – size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, with the 58,267 names of fallen heroes from the Vietnam War etched in its black granite, with fifteen more names to be added.
Headed by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #955 and the American Legion Post #184, $215,000 in donations, plus an additional $300,000 in in-kind services, made this wall a reality. The Wildwoods Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is only one of three permanent Vietnam Memorial Walls in the country; the others being the Wall in Washington, DC, and a half-wall in Florida.
Three years after its’ original Memorial Day Dedication ceremonies, the Wildwoods Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall remains a place to honor US men and women who died while serving their country.
“Memorial Day Weekend in the Wildwoods usually means a kick-off for the summer season, but it also means a time to remember those who died in active military service – and the Wildwoods Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall offers the perfect place to do just that,” said Vince DePrinzio, Treasurer of Chapter 955, Chair of the Wall Committee and an officer with the NJ State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America. “Included in the 58,267 fallen heroes, we have 22 from Cape May County and nine from the Wildwoods – this Memorial Wall means a lot to this community,” he continued.
The Wildwoods will further honor our active, fallen and stateside troops and veterans with three Memorial Day ceremonies. On May 25 at 8 p.m., all are invited to a candlelight vigil at the Wildwoods Veterans Memorial Wall hosted by the Vietnam Veterans Chapter #955 and the American Legion Post #184. Wildwood residents and visitors alike are also invited to pay their respects during a ceremony at the North Wildwood Veterans Monument, Spruce Avenue, North Wildwood at 10 a.m., hosted by VFW Post 5941. At 11 a.m. a ceremony hosted at the Wildwood American Legion Post #184 at 4200 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood, will feature speakers, recognition of deceased comrades, a firing squad, “Taps” and wreath laying ceremonies at the post, memorial Walk and the Vietnam Wall. Additionally the Police Explorers, accompanied by the Wildwood Beach Patrol, will lay a wreath in the ocean along with behind Wildwoods Convention Center.
Memorial Day Weekend is also a time for fun and celebration as the Wildwoods kicks off the summer fun with lots to see and do for the entire family. From May 24 through May 27, the 28th Annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the largest kite festival in North America, takes place on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. This event is free to spectators. Also from May 24 – May 26, the United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs will hold the New Jersey State Gymnastic Competitions at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Competitions will take place on May 25 and May 26 from 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
For additional information about the Wildwoods International Kite Festival, please call 732-822-4884 or visit www.SkyFestivals.com.
Anyone wanting to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during war can contact Vince DePrinzio at fooboo220@email.com or at 609-827-7032.
For additional information about the Wildwoods Vietnam Memorial Wall, visit www.wildwoodswall.com
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
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