The Wall stirs emotions

Commentary by Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — Over the past several days I have been in awe over the Mason County Allied Veterans Traveling Wall Project: The Cost of Freedom. The center point of this project at City Park is the 80% replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The full scale memorial is in Washington, D.C. but four replicas continually travel the country.

I have seen many comment on the MCP Facebook page about how moving the wall is. Even those who are not veterans or have no connection to a name on the wall have commented about what an emotional experience the Wall is. It certainly shows the respect our community has for those who have served our nation.

Many people are responsible for the wall’s visit to Ludington. But, I have observed some of those who stand out. Naturally, Ron Martin deserves a huge shout out. Ron is a Vietnam War vet who saw the way a few years ago in Cadillac. He was the person who got the ball rolling to bring it here to Ludington. Other veterans who have been in the forefront have included Michelle Hemmer, Dr. Rick Plummer, Budde Reed, Patrick Lange. Another person I have seen active in documenting this project is Phil Quinlan. Sue Adamski headed up the impressive 500-plus motorcycle escort from Hart to Ludington. Several officials and employees from the City of Ludington have also been key.

I know that I have missed several people and I apologize. Please feel free to kindly add names in the comment section of the Facebook post that accompanies this commentary.

The wall remains in Ludington until Sunday morning.

For the schedule, visit www.masoncountywallproject.com. To see more photographs, visit www.Facebook.com/MasonCountyPress.