Traveling veterans tribute walls

MOUNT WASHINGTON, Ky. — A traveling veterans memorial is on display in Mount Washington this weekend, offering visitors a place to reflect on the names of service members who died or remain missing.

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall includes the Vietnam Traveling Wall and the Cost of Freedom Tribute. Together, the displays honor more than 100,000 service members, including about 58,000 Vietnam War veterans who died or remain missing.

For some visitors, the memorial brought back memories from decades ago.

Mike Gravens said he was drafted during the Vietnam era but did not serve because of a leg injury. Seeing the names on the wall made him think about how different his life could have been.

“You can’t put a face to them, but their names are there,” Gravens said. “They’re gone.”

Gravens said the display made him feel fortunate to still be alive at 77.

“These guys died in their late teens and early 20s,” he said.

Bill Drury, a veteran who served as a helicopter door gunner, said the wall brought back memories of where he served and the people who did not return.

“Just being sorrowful, I guess,” Drury said. “It brought some tears to my eyes.”

Jessica Thornton, Mount Washington’s director of community and economic development, said the display is intended to honor veterans while also teaching younger generations about the sacrifices made by service members.

“Freedom costs a lot. It’s not free,” Thornton said. “I think it is really important for them to talk to our veterans, hear their stories and gain knowledge from them.”

The city said events connected to the exhibition are planned throughout the weekend.