Memorial to Bring Story, Names of Vietnam War to Royal Oak

Royal Oak residents won’t need to make a trip to Washington, D.C. to pay tribute to Michigan men and women who lost their lives in the Vietnam War—instead, a traveling memorial is coming to Royal Oak.

The Michigan Traveling Vietnam Wall is coming to Royal Oak for public viewing daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 21-23 on the west porch of the Royal Oak Farmers Market.

Dave Schoenherr explained that the memorial's message is "We will not forget." 

The exhibit is more than just the names of  the 2,600 plus veterans from Michigan who who did not come home from Southeast Asia. The display also includes a bio for each that tells his or her story. Many of the bios include photos.

"We are hoping to put a face to each each person that lost their life in Vietnam," Schoenherr said. The hope is people visiting the memorial will come forward with new information and photographs until there is a picture of each individual whose name appears on the memorial.

Viewing the memorial is free but donations will be accepted. Shirts and other items will be on sale. All the proceeds go to support VVA Chapter 154 Veteran Support Center in Roseville, which operates a food bank for veterans who have fallen on hard times.

The Royal Oak Legion Riders will be escorting the Vietnam Wall from Roseville on Tuesday May 21. Their route will take them west on 12 Mile Road, south on Main Street and east on 11 Mile Road. The memorial is expected to arrive at the Royal Oak Farmers Market at approximately 8:30 a.m.