Plainfield, Indiana – From Friday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Sept. 21, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will stand in Hummel Park, giving Hoosiers a nearby venue to remember the nation’s fallen heroes.
What the exhibit offers
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall® is a meticulous 3/5‑scale copy of the iconic wall in Washington, D.C. At its highest point it reaches six feet and stretches nearly 300 feet from end to end. Its synthetic reflective black granite panels bear the names of more than 58,000 American service members who died in the Vietnam War, including eight women who served as nurses and medics.
Visitors can walk the length of the panels, trace the engraved names with a pencil, and spend quiet moments of reflection. The exhibit is open 24 hours a day for the three‑day stay, accommodating shift workers, early risers, and night owls alike. Admission is free.
Local support and sponsorship
The display is sponsored by Duke Energy, whose Indiana headquarters are located in Plainfield. The company’s employee resource group, “Together We Stand for Our Veterans,” is coordinating the on‑the‑ground effort.
“The men and women who gave their lives for our country deserve nothing but our admiration,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “I hope their loved ones find the memorial impactful and that they know their families will never be forgotten.”
Community involvement
Organizers are seeking volunteers to greet visitors, help families locate specific names, and maintain a respectful atmosphere throughout the exhibit’s stay. Those interested can sign up by emailing [email protected].
“The wall is a solemn and respectful exhibit, and it gives the opportunity for those who cannot go to Washington, D.C. and see the original wall to locally come and pay their respects,” said Rick Smith, a Marine Corps veteran and Plainfield resident who is leading local organization efforts.
Location details
The memorial will be situated at the Charleston Pavilion near the rear entrance of Hummel Park, 5373 South County Road 700 East. The park’s open‑air setting provides a peaceful backdrop for reflection and remembrance.
By bringing this traveling memorial to Plainfield, families who might otherwise face financial or physical barriers to visiting the nation’s capital can honor their loved ones without leaving the state. The exhibit underscores the community’s commitment to veterans and their families, reinforcing the values of service, sacrifice, and gratitude that are central to Indiana’s heritage.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
