Wednesday, April 24, 2024
The first time Larry Massoletti saw the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D. C. was pretty hard.
“There’s seven guys on the wall that I served with,” the emotional decorated veteran said. “I carry their names in my billfold.”
The wall includes the names of more than 58,000 service members who died in the Vietnam War.
Tuesday, Massoletti and others gathered at the Riley Stephens Memorial VFW Post 7835 in Granbury. He is post commander.
Ten vehicles joined 36 motorcycles as an escort to Stephenville for The Wall That Heals, a mobile replica of the memorial wall.
Massoletti and others in the escort teared up more than once during the journey to Stephenville.
“There were kids in Tolar and in Bluff Dale standing out by the street as we passed through,” Massoletti said. “They waved to us and some waved flags.”
Massoletti said it made him proud to see school kids acknowledging the escort.
“I shed a few tears,” he said.
Massoletti was an Army Ranger in Vietnam. He received a pair of Bronze Stars for his actions in 1969.
THE WALL THAT HEALS
Display at Stephenville City Park, 709 Riverside Drive
Saturday, Nov. 9
All day and night: The Wall That Heals open to visitors. 10 a.m. Ceremony in the park. 11 a.m. Parade in Stephenville. Entry forms available by contacting Trimble at 817-579-1922.
Sunday, Nov. 10
2 p.m. The Wall closing.
