The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall and Some Gave All Moving Tribute arrived at Wickham Park in Melbourne Sunday after a motorcade through Brevard County. The event drew hundreds of motorcyclists and drivers who joined the procession, which began at Eastern Florida State College's Cocoa campus and traveled south along U.S. 1. The wall will remain on display until May 10 as part of the 38th annual All Veterans Reunion, hosted by Veterans Memorial Reunion Inc. The reunion runs May 7-10 at Wickham Park, a regular gathering spot for veterans and their families.
The procession moved slowly through the county, with participants lining the route to show support. Organizers said the event aimed to honor those who served while connecting veterans with community resources. The memorial wall, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., has traveled to more than 40 states since its creation in 1984. This is the first time it has visited Brevard County.
Wickham Park has hosted the All Veterans Reunion for nearly four decades. The event includes military displays, live music, and educational exhibits. Last year's reunion attracted over 20,000 attendees, according to organizers. This year's event will feature a keynote speech by a veteran from the U.S. Navy's SEAL team, along with a children's area and food vendors.
The Vietnam Traveling Wall is open to the public free of charge during the reunion. Visitors can walk the memorial, which lists the names of more than 58,000 service members who died in the Vietnam War. The Some Gave All Moving Tribute includes a 10-foot replica of the Vietnam War Memorial and a display of military uniforms and equipment. The reunion concludes on May 10 with a flag retirement ceremony.