The Town of Oyster Bay, in conjunction with Dignity Memorial, will bring the Vietnam Wall Experience to Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa on the weekend of April 29 through May 1.

The Vietnam Wall Experience is a three-quarter scale, travelling replica of the actual memorial in our nation's capitol, designed in 1990 by Dignity Memorial. The wall is made of faux-granite, stands eight feet in height and, like the actual memorial, has the names of 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in Vietnam inscribed on its black, mirror-like surface.

"The exhibit, which will be open around the clock and lighted for the entire weekend, will afford local residents the unique opportunity to remember, reflect and heal in a manner and time best suited for the individual," said Town Supervisor John Venditto. "Perhaps most importantly, it will provide a service to those who might never travel to the nation's capitol to experience the Vietnam Wall firsthand."

Special events for the weekend will include commemorative wreath layings, a reading of the names of local residents who made the supreme sacrifice in Vietnam or remain missing, a 21-gun salute, and a static display of Vietnam era military equipment, including armaments and helicopters.

"My colleagues and I on the Oyster Bay Town Board are extremely proud to dedicate this special weekend to all Americans who served in Vietnam and will join at the site to honor all veterans of the U.S. military," Venditto said. "Adding special significance to the weekend is that April 30, 2005, officially marks the 30th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. We're proud that this event coincides with this important date in our nation's history."

Bringing the Vietnam Wall Experience to Massapequa is a massive undertaking requiring many volunteers and donations from generous individuals and businesses. Carpenters Union Local 7 has agreed to handle the logistics associated with the set-up, breakdown and clean-up of the exhibit. However, there are still many other important jobs to be handled, including volunteers who can provide information and direction to the thousands of visitors expected. "Since the exhibit is open 24 hours, three straight days, we will require the assistance of as many hands as possible," Venditto explained.

Anyone wishing to assist in any way can contact Charles Spencer, director of the Vietnam Wall Experience, at 631-669-3800. Spencer, of Dignity Memorial's Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home in Babylon, has orchestrated many commemorative Vietnam Wall Experience events throughout the country and brings a wealth of experience to the Town of Oyster Bay's weekend program, which is the first stop of the 2005 nationwide tour. Further inquiries can be made to the Town of Oyster Bay's Division of Veteran Services at 797-7900.

"I believe the Vietnam Wall Experience will be not only an opportunity for reflection and appreciation, but a valuable learning venue for children who know little about the Vietnam War," Venditto said. "I hope to see many of our town residents. Our veterans, particularly those who served in Vietnam, deserve a large showing of local residents who appreciate the sacrifices they have made to keep America the 'Land of the Free.'"

Parking will be available and admission is free.