KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas Citians have the chance to pay their tributes to those who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall arrived in Kansas City, Missouri, and opened to the public on Thursday.
People can visit the tribute on the southeast lawn of the World War I Museum and Memorial.
The wall is an 80% replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and measures nearly 400-feet long.
Names of those who died during the Vietnam War are engraved on the memorial.
On Thursday, KSHB 41 News reporter Dan Cohen spoke with Vic, who found his friend Henry on one of the panels.
We just met Vic who was looking for his friend Henry who died in the Vietnam War. We helped him find Henry’s name on this panel, and his daughter snapped a photo. An emotional moment for this family. @KSHB41 pic.twitter.com/rx8gwo41Ie
— Dan Cohen (@DanCohenTV) May 19, 2022
Robert Michael Dudley, a Vietnam War veteran, made an appearance at the memorial.
He said the memorial is acknowledgment to the sacrifice he and others have made.
"When this was dedicated in November 1982, it was the first time I saw the country acknowledge the service and sacrifice of a Vietnam veteran," Dudley said. "When someone comes here and looks at it, I think it’s important to realize not only the contribution they made and the sacrifice they made, but this is the cost of freedom."
Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran also visited the memorial on Thursday evening.
"It’s important for all Americans to pay respect to all of our veterans and all those serving today," Moran said. "It is important for those who wear the uniform, who wore the uniform, to know that their service is respected, and especially our Vietnam veterans, who in so many instances returned home not just to apathy, but outright hate."
Those who wish to visit the memorial can do so at any time of day or night through Memorial Day.
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