Last night, The Northern Appalachian Folk Festival, Inc. and The American Legion Post 141 held welcoming ceremonies for the Wall That Heals at Mack Park.
The ceremonies paid tribute to those who fought during the Vietnam War and the 41 people from Indiana County who were killed in action. One of the keynote speakers was Vietnam Veteran and Retired US Army Brigadier General Dominic Rocco, who reminded people about how the family is forgotten and may feel disrespected.
(Ret. Army Brigadier General Dominic Rocco talks with Ret. Army Brigadier General and County Commissioner Rod Ruddock prior to the start of the welcome ceremony. Photo by Kris Mellinger)
Also speaking during last night’s ceremonies was Buddy Hobart, the president of Solutions 21, who said that one of his boyhood heroes was Leo R. “Whitey” Schoth, his oldest brother’s best friend, who was killed in Vietnam 51 years ago. He also talked about the heroes he has today.
(Buddy Hobart speaking during last night’s ceremonies. Photo by Kris Mellinger)
The Wall that Heals will remain in Mack Park, open 24 hours a day until Sunday at 3:00 PM
