In previous generations this moment in time was marked every year by a moment of
silence, no matter where you happened to be. In stores, restaurants, banks and other
venues, announcements were made on loudspeakers to alert everyone to stop, to pause,
and to pay homage. It was awe-inspiring to realize that so many across our country were
doing the same thing at the same time, and no one deserves such a tribute as our veterans
do. They fought to make this country free, and continue to do so.
While our generation is not as diligent with observances of Veteran’s Day, this would be a
good year to take your family somewhere to a place where the reality of war and the price
that has been paid, is the focus. Here are a few suggestions of places in our area where that
can be done, even if just for a few moments out of the day.
Keep in mind that offi cial Veteran’s Day observances and ceremonies are still being
decided upon, thanks to COVID-19. Check online or with your local news source to see if
ceremonies will be held at any of these locations.
The Veteran’s Memorial Wall of
Southwest Florida in Punta Gorda at
Laishley Park is a stunning tribute to
those who gave all in Vietnam.
Veteranʼs Memorial Wall of Southwest Florida, Punta Gorda
Laishley Park, 200 Harbor Walk Dr., Punta Gorda
vietnamwallofsouthwestfl orida.org
Open 24 hours
Located at the entrance into Laishley Park on the banks of the Peace River, this feature is a
relatively new. and very moving tribute to our Vietnam veterans. This is a half-scale version of
the Wall in Washington, D.C., measuring 273’ long and 7’ tall. The committee broke ground
on Jan. 4, 2016, and it was completed in that same year.
There is currently a plan in place to begin Phase II of the park’s creation, which includes
parking and landscaping, an honor walk, a mural wall plaza, a Purple Heart memorial, a
donor’s plaza and a gazebo ceremonial plaza. You can support the Vietnam Memorial
enhancements by purchasing a custom engraved brick. Learn more by going to the website
listed above.
The idea for the Punta Gorda Vietnam Memorial Wall came in 2013, thanks to retired Air
Force Maj. Gen. Richard Carr. He heard that a traveling Vietnam Wall in Texas was up for sale,
and he started to formulate a plan. Having served in Vietnam, he understood the healing
power that such a memorial could elicit, seeing the names of fallen brothers in a tangible
honorarium.
Unfortunately, the Texas wall was very expensive – approximately $500,000 – and it wasn’t
built to endure salt air. At that point Carr was certain he didn’t want to turn back on the idea,
/vietnamwallofsouthwestforida.org