Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Jill Atwood ReportingIt was quite an extraordinary site this afternoon as close to 400 Harley Davidson's rumbled along with a replica of the famous Vietnam memorial wall as it made it's way into town.
The escort was largely made up of Vietnam Vets who also have some very strong opinions on today's ongoing conflict in Iraq. Many say they see similarities in the two wars. Others just didn't even want to go there.
This weekend as folks are viewing the wall, veterans hope they're thinking of all veterans past and present.
It wasn't hard to find escorts for the Vietnam traveling Wall. Many of the riders lost a buddy or two in the war and will no doubt be searching for names this weekend.
Steve Opheikens, Vietnam Vet: "Well it's part of being in the USA, being a part of the government and the wall; it gives you a sense of pride."
The wall arrives in Riverton at a time when patriotism in our country is particularly high and troops overseas are top of mind. But as the hostilities drag on some of these vets fear history may repeat itself.
Eppie Trujillo, Vietnam Vet: "You know you look at it and I could picture another Vietnam the way it's going right now... You have reports of soldiers being killed on a daily basis over there now and ambushing."
Richard Bryan, Vietnam Vet: "Yes it's pretty similar to me. Seems to me it's pretty political. What I can see pretty much oil, money, political."
But despite some anti-war sentiments these vets know better than any how important troop support is.
Opening ceremonies will take place Friday morning at 9 a.m. right after the reading of over 58-thousand names. The public can view the wall this Friday through Sunday at Riverton's Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
