by Nakell Williams Thursday, September 19th 2019
A POW/MIA event took place Wednesday morning at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins./WGXA
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — A POW/MIA event took place Wednesday morning at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins.
From Watson to Heritage Boulevard — veterans hit the road to escort the Vietnam Memorial traveling wall — on its way to the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins.
It’s hosting this year’s “ride home” in honor of POW/MIA recognition day.
“We travel the eastern half of the country with this wall from April to November of every year setting up in different communities,” said Richard Russo, wall manager.
Vets, volunteers, family and friends assemble it to give others a chance honor former prisoners of war and fallen heroes.
“I have a cousin who is on the east side of the wall so it’s near and dear to my heart. It’s actually an honor for me to be able to do this. As long as I am able to honor him and the other 58,000 plus men and women who will never be forgotten,” says Russo.
Darlene McLendon with the Museum of Aviation says it’s a chance to celebrate the heritage of the military.
“We are thankful and grateful for those who have protected our nation,” she said. “But the cost of those who didn’t come home, the cost of those that were prisoners of war is great and we don’t ever need to forget that message.”
Thursday through Saturday locals can come pay their respects to the tens of thousands of service members whose names appear here.
Veteran Bob Ousley said, “They call it the healing wall. Vietnam veterans and families that go to the wall it’s the closest thing to closure that any of them get. It really is an amazing experience.”
