Traveling Vietnam War memorial makes stop in Jackson County

MAQUOKETA - A traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall is on display in Maquoketa this weekend.

Hundreds of visitors have already stopped by the Jackson County Fairgrounds to get a look at the wall, which pays tribute to those who lost their lives.

“I find it very moving and very touching that these people gave their lives for our country at the time that they did,” Jennifer Peach said.

The 300-foot long wall displays the names of every United States serviceman and woman who died in Vietnam.

“It's pathetic to know that so many people gave their lives for what we thought was necessary,” Mary Weisnewski said. “What could have happened if all of these people had been able to live their life as they wanted instead of being slaughtered on the battlefield?”

For those visitors who lived through the war, the physical reminder of those who died is difficult, but extremely important.

“It was a horrible, horrible place and to see all the names it makes you want to thump a little,” Mary Ohnesorge-Thielen said.

The Vietnam Memorial Wall will be at the Jackson County Fairgrounds today and Monday. Organizers plan a closing ceremony at 3 p.m. Monday before they pack it up and head to the next stop.