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Vet on a mission to bring wall to county

By Mike Conley | The McDowell News

Published: November 11, 2009

A local veteran wants to bring a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to McDowell County. He's seeking the support of local officials, civic clubs and other veterans in this effort.
At Monday's regular meeting, the McDowell County Commission heard a presentation from Randy Hollifield of Nebo, who is a veteran of the Vietnam War. Hollifield asked the county to endorse his project of having a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial come to McDowell. He made his proposal just two days before Veterans Day.
Several replicas of the memorial wall in Washington, D.C. currently travel the nation. These replicas are set up in various towns and cities as a tribute to the men and women who served in not only the Vietnam War but the rest of America's wars as well. Hollifield said he would like to get a traveling exhibit that is based in Tyler, Texas to come here.
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is a mobile group of memorials and exhibits. It is anchored by an 80 percent reproduction of the Vietnam Memorial that includes all of the names on the original in Washington, D.C. Other memorials and exhibits honor the men and women who fought in World War II, the Korean War and the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. A special section honors the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
With the exception of some down time, this traveling exhibit from Tyler, Texas is on display nearly every weekend in some town or city in the United States. It is intended to inform and educate Americans about the cost of freedom and honor those who paid that high price.
Hollifield said this traveling exhibit is among the best touring the nation. It pays tribute to the nation's veterans with dignity and respect and does not have a "carnival atmosphere." He said this project would be "100 percent non-commercial and 100 percent non-political."
"It's just something that is good for the community," he said.
But bringing such an exhibit to McDowell County takes money and planning. The fee for bringing the American Veterans Traveling Tribute is almost $10,000. In addition, the exhibit has to be brought to a suitable site. The exhibit requires volunteers to help operate it and keep the grounds clean. Security must be on site 24 hours a day from arrival until departure.
Hollifield asked county officials for their endorsement of his project. He has talked to Alan Mainer, the county's veterans services officer, for his support as well. Mainer has stated he greatly supports the idea and is willing to help bring the exhibit to McDowell.
"I fully understand this endeavor will be overseen by an appointed committee who will be responsible for contracting all persons related to bringing the memorial to our county," said Mainer, who also served in Vietnam.
Hollifield said he plans to speak to the Marion City Council and various civic clubs about his idea and get their support as well. He needs suggestions for people who can serve on the local planning committee. This committee would have to look at raising money, dates for the exhibit, location and other details.
"I need some good talent," he said.
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute will likely not be able to come to McDowell in 2010. All the good dates for next year are already booked, said Hollifield.
"We are looking at 2011 or 2012 for something like this," he said. "I believe something like this is something our county could really be proud of."
After listening to his presentation, the commissioners agreed to support the idea "in theory" and give their endorsement.
Commissioner Andy Webb said he would be interested in seeing how McDowell County could help with this becoming a reality.