More than 30 years ago, Town of Wallkill residents proposed building a monument to honor those who fought in the Vietnam War, which claimed more than 58,000 American lives. At the end of this month, what was once a dream of some residents will become a reality when town officials cut the ribbon on the permanent monument honoring the service and sacrifice of Vietnam-era veterans.
Construction of a Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall began in 2003 and on April 30th its completion will be celebrated at a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at the Town of Wallkill Veterans Memorial Park (across the street from Maddy’s Diner in Wallkill).
“We are extremely excited about this and want veterans in the Town of Wallkill and Orange County to know that we love and support them,” said Town of Wallkill Councilman Mark Coyne, the vice president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Committee. “The wall is a source of pride, and I don’t know if I have ever seen anything like it other than the one in Washington, D.C.”
The Town of Wallkill’s Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall was the brainchild of decorated Vietnam veteran Mike Cody Jr., who earned the Purple Heart, Bronze and Silver stars, and numerous humanitarian awards for his service. Cody has continued to advocate for its completion for more than three decades.
“Mike is a war hero and a great man,” Coyne said. “I’m just happy he chose to live in the Town of Wallkill and that we have all had the opportunity to get to know him. It has been an honor working with Mike.”
The project was made possible through private fundraising and a grant from New York State.
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