BRIDGEPORT WASHINGTON
THE MOVING WALL
25-31 OCT 2003
A WEEK OF REMEMBRANCES
Opening ceremonies were at 10 a.m. Saturday 25 October 2003 at the Bridgeport School complex. At the first meeting to discuss bring "The Moving Wall" to Bridgeport there were 60 people. The average group at meetings were 30 plus... (never the same 30) and when it was time to volunteer there were as many as 10 volunteers eager to help out. They served an opening brunch and later Saturday afternoon - stew and Indian fried bread. The volunteer tent was well stocked with homemade cookies, cakes, and goodies.
At the opening ceremony there were several speakers and many spectators. The school band played and there was an Indian drum Circle.
More opening ceremony pictures at Moving Wall Pictures
Arnie Holt, a native American, served his time in Vietnam and came home to start collecting military memorabilia. His collection primarily deals with Vietnam and Indian Warriors of WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
Removing the Wall drapes
The weather during the first days was 60 plus degrees with frosty nights. The Sky was usually an honest blue. Fruit still hung in some of the local orchards. Crews of students had cleared the highways of litter leading to the school.
Getting ready for the Wall pictures at Moving Wall Pictures
During the weekend there were usually several people viewing the wall. The organizers had declared everyday a specific community day. Special remembrance ceremonies were given every day
Did I mention volunteers... perhaps I should again. She's holding the Green Book... the one I kept trying to 'borrow'. The big white tent became my home away from home. The Bridgeport School district provided 3 laptops with internet access. This tent had a minimum to three volunteers (24/7). Tempts ranged from 65 degrees mid afternoons to well below freezing every evening.
The Local school districts were supportive of the Wall presentation and sent students.... Lots of them... On Monday afternoon the K-8th graders from Coulee Dam arrived after an hour bus ride. I helped them learn a little about the Wall and a bit about great Uncles and grandpas. These 3rd graders had studied about the Vietnam War and knew what the Wall was all about.
After I grabbed the group shot... this fellow wanted another picture taken... enough said.
I have seen several flag ceremonies at other Wall's ...
this was the first time I heard the reading of the names.
This solomn ceremony was done 24 hours a day by a team of readers. 15 minutes each.
On Monday high school students came and read.
One of the first acts of the committee was to gather information on the 5 boys/men from Brewster and Bridgeport whose names are on the Wall.
They contacted the families and created notebooks using pictures and other memorablia. This tent was well used and worth the visit.
Larry Butler had been an award winning hurtler in Jr. High School.
Bob Hayden, former high school basketball star, earned the Bronze Star.
Marvin Galbraith from Brewster joined several generations of family in the local Bridgeport cemetery.
John Lane earned the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Service Cross and not forgotten, Earl Henderson.
The Wall was presented in the sports field next to the Bridgeport Cemetery. One of the committee's acts was to place additional lights (underground wired) in the cemetery. Done by volunteers in a matter of days...
Not forgotten