DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A new memorial has been erected in Daytona Beach to honor the service and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans.
On Friday, an unveiling ceremony for the Vietnam Memorial Wall will be held at Veterans Memorial Plaza.
The wall, which is 5 feet tall and 8 1/2 feet wide, is positioned on the north side of the plaza along the Halifax River.
Scott Olson, who is the director of Volusia County Veterans Services, helped gain approval of the project, which was made possible through a $35,000 donation from Volusia Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1048.
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“We looked at the monument, and it was beautiful, and it definitely is a way to honor and recognize their sacrifice and their service,” Olson said.
Etched in the granite are scenes from the Vietnam Memorial wall in Washington, DC, along with the message: “Thank you to all Vietnam Veterans. Welcome home.”
“This monument here is really meant to bring honor and recognition to the Vietnam veterans all across America,” Olson said.
The memorial was also designed to serve as an educational piece for future generations.
“Really get a good idea of what our veterans, of what our brave men and women went through to pave and provide the freedoms we enjoy today,” Olson said.
Friday’s unveiling ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at 125 W. Orange Ave.
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