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Announcement 7 June 2017The Moving Wall™ 2017 Schedule pageAnnouncements 22 July 2015
The Moving Wall™ 2015 Schedule
The Moving Wall™ 2015 Schedule
Since October 15, 1984 at the Tyler, Texas Rose Festival, the "Original, the first replica" of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
known as The Moving Wall has toured within and outside of the United States. Their 2014 travel schedule is only for the "A" Wall
themovingwall.org. This year just one
replica will be traveling to 23 cities throughout the U.S. from May 1 til Veterans Day, Novermber 10, 2014.
I am adding a new page to my site called: "Women Served in Vietnam". It is still under construction but this all evolved from meeting so many amazing, incredible, dedicated women who served
in other capacities during the Vietnam Era. I have had the honor to meet so many daughters, wives and also mothers who
said goodbye to their loved ones way to early. During Wall events, I met many interesting and special nurses who actually
were considered military. However the two women who changed my thinking were Lana Noone, founder of the Operation
Babylift organization, and Ann Kelsey, U.S. Army Special Services Libraries.
Recently I was introduced to another extraordinary woman who wrote a book on her experiences, "So, What’s a Nice Girl
Like You Doing in a Place Like This (Seoul to Saigon)”. Her experiences were captivating (no pun intended) and come to
find out she also knew the other two women whom I have worked with for so many years. Dr. Sandra Lockney Davis was a
member of the U.S. Army Special Services and with one more unusual circumstance that brought us together was the fact she
went to Bitburg High School with my husband while their families were stationed. Over the next few weeks I will be
adding these woman, publications, association lists, etc. I hope you all will take the time to look at my new page…this
is a baby I am very proud to have nested in my web site. Thank you
Gold Star Children 2013 ** Very Important Event 2013 Please Read and Share**
This year for Veteran’s Day, a new documentary film “Gold Star Children” will debut nationally and be available for digital download via Goldcrest Films and the 501c3 non-profit Gold Star Children at www.goldstarchildren.org. The film chronicles the journey of two generations of children who lost a parent serving in the military - those who lost a parent in Vietnam, and those who lost a parent serving in more recent conflicts (i.e, 9/11, Iraq and Afghanistan). While America honors the patriotism of these brave families who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, for too long the stories of the children left behind by our fallen warriors have not been heard. This documentary film interweaves generational perspectives and history, through the perspectives of the now-adult children who lost fathers in Vietnam and with the voices of today's children impacted by military loss. We are presenting this asking if organizations would consider being an official partner for the film. There are several ways that you can be a partner, for example: -- allow your organization to be listed as a partner on the Gold Star Children film web site. Please send us an email with your organization's web-ready logo attached and accompanying one to three senternces about your organization so that we can list you as a partner. Please email to: mitmat30@aol.com. -- tell others about the film by issuing an e-blast. The film will be show nationwide on the Pentagon Channel www.pentagonchannel.mil on Veteran's Day and will be available for digital download on the film web site www.goldstarchildren.org. -- become a social media partner for the film. Commit to sharing information about the film on your organiation's facebook page, Pinterest page, blog, and/or Twitter feed in the weeks before and after Veteran's Day. We will provide a screening copy of the film to you free of charge to screen to your members and supporters. Cast members may be able to participate in person, or via Skype or telphone. If you would like to support the film in any of the ways listed or if you have another idea to offer, please contact: Mitty Griffis Mirrer at: mitmat30@aol.com
Mitty Griffis Mirrer
(401)323-7475
www.goldstarchildren.org
A year ago while living in Ireland, I was interviewed about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and my involvement with the
Moving Wall (TM). Eric Molinsky interviewed me from New York on the phone and I was with a sound technician from Dublin. It
was explained that this would be a fair and in depth and non-political program for our Vietnam veterans. Basically it would
a radio broadcast simply stating "this singular work of architecture has influenced how we think about war." So I agreed
to participate, along with John Devitt, founder of The Moving Wall (TM). The programs was broadcast throughout the U.S
between 4 October and 6 October, 2013. However, you can listen to the hour long and is now available for download).
I looked at the names of the participants and wondered how did I get with such an elite group of people and then I viewed
the few photos and on pages 20-21 were mind, there I was....it was surreal. For 46 years I have dedicated myself to
bringing respect to my generation, our Vietnam Veterans....because many are no longer able to speak for themselves and
there I was.....I fulfilled my pledge to the 58,200+ who are forever on the memorial--The Wall. Please listen to the
broadcast and please share this amazing documentary broadcast. All of our veterans who have served, all generations need
to hear hear this incredible gathering of individuals who speak from their hearts. Also please don't forget to thank a
veteran for his service and "Welcome them home"
You can use either link: http://www.studio360.org/story/american-icons-the-vietnam-veterans-memorial/
-- 21-Gun Salute and Military Ceremony -- Film screening -- Speakers -- Art and Artifacts Exhibit -- resident Ford Babylift Congressional Tribute Display -- Heather Constance Noone Memorial Plaque Ceremony for the Womens Garden -- Music and much more!
-- Reception to follow.
Pentagon to list honor winners to deter fraudsters
Significant Update - POW Network announces new web site ****
(open letter to the supporters of the POW Network non-profit organization)
Dear Friends, As you well know, the POW NETWORK is in it’s 23rd year of service. In recent years,
it has become more and more evident our time and energy has been focused on exposing frauds and phonies,
and sadly, less and less on the POW/MIA issue. That is not to say the POW/MIA issue is any less important
nor the stories any less urgent. It’s just that the path of writing bios, and finding phony POW’s as we did so,
started something in 1998. Preventing anyone from scamming a POW family - had an urgency to it!
Reports of frauds and phonies now generate 90% of our mail. It is an all day, every day (all holidays included)
effort. In response to the evident need, and epidemic proportions of the FAKE WARRIOR problem, we are shifting
our focus and mission. We have just unveiled a new website that focuses solely on the FAKE WARRIOR mission.
The FAKE WARRIOR PROJECT www.fakewarriors.org is a division
of the POW NETWORK and maintains all the tax-exempt donor status established.
The POW NETWORK section of Heroes or Villains will simply host a “redirect” page to the new site. The rest of the
POW NETWORK site will remain active, updated as to POW/MIA biographies, and current casualties. But the site, filled
with so many stories of true heroes, heartbreaking loss and decades of questions, will no longer be soiled with the
false tales perpetrated upon the public by the scum who make false claims. For those of you that link to the profiles
of the POW/MIAs – nothing will change. As time goes on, we will be making some aesthetic changes, but it will not
interfere with links. For those of you that link to the profiles of the FAKE WARRIORS - the frauds, phonies, and
wannabees listed – you will need to go to the new site and get the updated links, or the links will fail. All updates
in the last couple weeks have been on the NEW site, as Heroes or Villains has gone stagnant. We apologize for workload,
but it cannot be avoided.
In its Supreme Court Ruling overturning the Stolen Valor Act as it pertained to Alvarez (charged with falsely claiming
to have been awarded the Medal of Honor), the justices stated, “…and it has not shown, and cannot show, why counterspeech,
such as the ridicule respondent received online and in the press, would not suffice to achieve its interest. The
“counterspeech” referenced in the Supreme Court ruling involves voluntary, unofficial, social efforts by citizens and
the press in the effort, and to shame the fake warriors into ceasing their disgraceful charade.
WE ARE A PART OF THE SUPREME COURT’S ANSWER TO FAKE WARRIORS! In addition, we are pleased to announce that FAKE WARRIORS,
2nd Edition, the book authored by our dear friends Hank and Erika Holzer will be available in August. The original,
All our efforts in Branson, MO in November – the Annual GALA and the POW/MIA service – will continue. This year we will
also add a Round Table Seminar during Veterans Homecoming, on FAKE WARRIORS.
We could not have done this transition without help from Jim L, Steve R, Joe O, Scott P and Hank Holzer. Their support, help,
advice, and tech help was phenomenal. (I’m no geek!) It all works because of them. If we help you find answers, help us
stay online and garner the attention this epidemic requires. We want to bring attention to the FAKE WARRIOR ACT of 2012 -
and have it introduced as the responsible, constitutional answer to the Supreme Court ruling.
We need help in distributing this information, and need your support so that we can continue this effort. The data bases
we use are not free, and hours and hours can be tied into trace work, evidence collecting, and web work. Donations are vital,
but due to the work we do, donors cannot be publicly acknowledged on the site. Donors always receive a donation receipt.
Continuing the legacy, Semper Fi Mary Schantag
Medallion for Grave Markers in Private cemeterries for Privately Purchased Headstones
The Department of Veteran Affairs provides the above shown medallion, by request, to be affixed to an
existing privately purchased headstone or marker to signify the deceased's status as a veteran.
This new product is furnished in lieu of a traditional Government headstone or marker for those veterans
whose death occurred on or after November 1, 1990, and is in a private cemetery marked with a privately
purchased headstone or marker.
The medallion is available in three sizes: 5 inches; 3 inches and 1-1/2 inches. Each medallion will be
inscribed with the word "VETERAN" across the top and the branch of service at the bottom (see above).
For family members of eligible veterans interested in submitting a claim for the medallion, application
instructions are on the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) web site at
www.cem.va.gov/hm_hm.asp. Until the new form is devised, use VA form 40-1330: Application for
Standard Government Headstone or Marker. Do not fill in block 11 (please leave blank) but in block 27,
write Medallion, size chosen. (i.e., Medallion 3 in).
IMPORTANT: This is only in lieu of a government provided headstone and thus can be applied to a privately
purchased headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarium niche cover.
.
Update on New National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis
POW/MIA Families are a target by an Unscupulous Individual
Earlier this year, a POW/MIA family was contacted by a person who said that during a trip to SE Asia, he’d come
into possession of their brother's military ID card. This family lost their loved one in 1969, and really have not had
any evidence whether he survived or died when his plane crashed. Although hopeful, thankfully, the family followed
through with a call to the Air Force Casualty Office which revealed that this person, Hadeltre Toma, has been running this
particular scam on other MIA families. He goes by “Tre” and also used an email address with the name Bret Hart.
Please pass this information on to anyone you know who might be a target of this unscrupulous individual or if he
or anyone offering you information about a POW/MIA immediately contact one of the service Casualty Offices:
USAF Missing Persons Branch
550 C Street West, Suite 15
Department of the Army
U.S. Army Human Resources Command
Headquarters U. S. Marine Corps
Navy Personnel Command
Casualty Assistance Division
25th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans' The Moving Wall™
In White Pine, Michigan, from July 16 through 19, 2009, The American Legion Post 462 sponsored the memorable
event of Vietnam Combat Veterans The Moving Wall™ 25th Anniversary.
Sarasota National Cemetery
In January 9, 2009, Sarasota opened a National Cemetery covering our veterans needs for a dignified, respectful and deserving
resting place in Florida's southern area. It is one of seven national shrines within Florida. The Department of Veterans
Affairs National Cemeteries, oversees 128 national cemeteries in 39 states (including Puerto Rico).
Sarasota National Cemetery Will become a Community Showcase
From Arlington National Cemetery across America on Saturday, December 12, 2009, the First Annual Holiday Wreath Laying Ceremony was held at the Sarasota National Cemetery and all Federal Cemeteries from coast to coast. The ceremony commenced with wreaths being laid at every recipient's headstone and Christmas music provided by the Sarasota Military Academy Band. After the Posting of Colors, the National Anthem by the Sarasota Military Academy Choir and the Pledge of Allegiance and Retirement of Colors, there was the setting of the POW/MIA table with all military branch participating. The guest speaker was Brigadier General(Retired Jerry L. Neff, there were Service Wreath presentation from each branch of Service and 3 POWs from WWII, Korea and Vietnam under the American flag. The closing included TAPS, a 21-gun salute and a beautiful closing of Amazing Grace by the Sarasota Military Academy Bagpipers. Seeing all those beautiful red and green wreaths leaning up against the white marble was an inspirational remembrance of our loved ones highlighting the season of peace and love.
Cemetery honors all veterans(Published: Sunday, July 11, 2010 in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Editoral Page)
Attention: Unclaimed veterans to their final resting place in a National or State Veterans Cemetery
Recently I became aware of a publication called the North River News. A column called “Military and Motorcycles” recently ran the following article written by
Terry Longpre
Those of you who have been following my ramblings by now realize I am driven to help folks who have been or are
currently in the military. One of the saddest things I have heard of in a while was the fact that there are thousands of US
military veterans remains sitting on shelves and on the floors of mortuaries and funeral homes throughout the United States.
Recently I have been asked by the Florida Area Coordinator for the ‘Missing in America Project’ to further their mission
they are your average folks in who live in your neighborhood. Patriot Guard Riders have volunteered locally, as well as
across America to help locate and escort those unclaimed veterans to their final resting place in a National or
State Veterans Cemetery.
The Missing in America Mission Statement pretty much explains it all. It says “The purpose of the MIA Project is to locate,
identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal
organizations. To provide honor and respect to those who have you may have stored or may not have been picked up by a family
member. If you have any question as to if the person had been in the military contact one of the following people listed below from
the MIAP for assistance.
Linda Smith
James Scollen
The national web site for the Missing in America Project (MIAP) is
Contact Sharon Edwards
or Assistant State Ride Captain Jim Dryer (Patriot Guard Riders)
In a column which was published on October 8th, 2009 entitled Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients,
Part Two’ I mentioned a Buffalo Soldier by the name of Corporal Isaiah Mays who had been buried out
behind the Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix, wrapped in a sheet. Between MIAP, Old Guard Riders and
Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Clubs preparations were started in August 2008 to exhume Cpl. May’s and concluded
with his interment at Arlington National Cemetery on May 29th, 2009. Help us to continue to make this happen.
God bless America and those who serve in uniform.
Touch A Name (TTW was granted permission to play this tribute on July 10, 2009).
Significant Updates ****
Touch the Wall Updated. the Repatriation chart is currently being updated and will soon reflect all of the veterans brought home. Since the 18 March 2012, the "unaccounted veterans" are now at 1677. The breakdown is as follows: The countries involved are: VN (Vietnam North - 472), VS (Vietnam South - 814), CB (Cambodia - 58, CH (China - 7) and LA (Laos - 326) which accumlative is 1713 and is inclusive of the 32 Civilians noted above. Please note that more than 450 are over-water losses. Please contact me if you want a breakdown of the 3 categories for each country. We understand the concerns of the families who believe there needs to be more commprehensive testing which concludes the results are error free. However, once the POW/MIA Task Force releases their conclusions, we feel we should at least announce their results. New additions will be entered soon.
Six (6) veterans were added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington on Memorial Day 2013. The 2013 inductees, were announced and they now have their rightful place on "The Wall." Their panel and line number were assigned, and you can review these additions at Names Added Chart.
Also the In Memory Day Ceremony was held in June 2012. The In Memory veterans are now documented and now available for review at In Memory Veterans Chart
Catching Wannabe (phoney) veterans - A NATIONWIDE EPIDEMIC
For years, volunteers working with the veteran communities have had to keep a look-out for individuals bragging about their military service, their medals and involvement in various conflicts. Up until a few years ago, all we could do was report their activities and list them on various look out watch lists. Throughout these investigations, many documents are posted to help people seek out these "wanna bes" in order to correctly document their activities and wave a red flag for anyone caught in this fictitious scenario. Supporting Documents
New Stolen Valor Bill Signed into Law - Very Significant
On December 20, 2006, signed by the President. "Should any who are not entitled to these honors have the insolence to assume the badges of them, they shall be severely punished." The bill states: the "Stolen Valor Act of 2005," which expands criminal penalties for fraud relating to military decorations and medals. Read the full background and history of this amazing and fully supported legislation effecting military awards since the Medal of Honor review of 1917. Background and History of this Law
You can learn more about www.rftw.org Rolling Thunder.
A great new Moving Wall site is up and runnng and what an incredible site it is. Blogger, Jerry Blitefield,
RollingwiththeMovingWall.blogspot.com
created this informative site. Since 1998, when he came across The Moving Wall™ Jerry began studying the original
half-scale replica of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, unable to travel with The Moving Wall™
this summer, he decided to set up a blog of each set up so that they could tell this amazing ongoing story of The Moving Wall™.
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