Moving Wall replica opens at St. Albans VFW Post 6418, honors Vietnam-era service and Gold Star families

The Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., opened at St. Albans VFW Post 6418 in a community memorial ceremony that drew veterans, Gold Star families, civic leaders and volunteers.

Jared Page, vice mayor of St. Albans, welcomed attendees on behalf of Mayor Scott James and the city council, saying the replica "is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It has traveled across America for more than 40 years," and urging visitors to use the memorial as "a bridge between the past and the present." Page noted West Virginia's high per-capita casualty rate during the Vietnam War as part of the ceremony's local context.

Sherry Barker Jackson, junior vice commander of St. Albans VFW Post 6418 and a retired U.S. Army and VA service officer, read prepared remarks that combined personal recollection and wartime statistics. Jackson recounted a veteran's remembrance—"47 years ago, my my buddy John Smith Manchester died in a rice paddy in Gidap Province, South Vietnam. He was 22 years old"—and cited figures for names and POW/MIA counts that she attributed to the memorial and Department of Defense records.

Barbara Olbrich, representing West Virginia Gold Star Mothers, spoke about personal loss and urged the crowd to "say their names" and preserve the stories of those who died in service. The ceremony also included a presentation of colors by the St. Albans High School Marine Corps JROTC, the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation and a MIA/POW tribute involving JROTC, Scouts and veterans' organizations.

Delegate Walter Hall and Delegate Andy Shamblin presented a citation from the West Virginia House of Delegates recognizing the Moving Wall's visit to St. Albans and thanking volunteers who organized the exhibit. Carina Boggs, past state VFW commander, presented Post 6418 with the Commander's Cup of Excellence in recognition of the post's work bringing the wall to the community.

The event's keynote speaker, Captain James McCormick II of Vietnam Veterans of America, described combat experiences and appealed for civic unity and stronger support for veterans and families. McCormick said, "All of these folks gave all their tomorrows for your today. Do not waste it," and urged attendees not to let partisan differences overshadow care for veterans.

Organizers closed the ceremony with wreath laying, a moment of silence and taps performed by retired Sergeant Major Scott Combs. After remarks of thanks to volunteers and Commander Jerry Mallahan for organizing the visit, the Moving Wall exhibit was opened to the public for viewing.

The visit provides an opportunity for residents, students and families to see the memorial locally, touch the names etched in the panels, and participate in remembrance and education about the costs of war. The exhibit was made available for public visitation at VFW Post 6418 following the ceremony; visiting hours and any additional program details were not specified in the transcript.