Veterans Memorial Wall Visits FC
A 120-foot remembrance wall will be displayed across the Fullerton College campus quad beginning Nov. 2 through Nov. 5. Hosted by the Veterans Resource Center, the wall represents a healing outlet for veteran students at FC and veterans in the community, as well as a visual reminder to others of the contributions and sacrifices made by veterans across the nation.
“Many of our veteran-students know people whose names appear on the wall,” said Veterans Resource Center Coordinator Aghabi Khalil. “Having the wall here on our campus gives them an opportunity to release some of the emotions associated with their healing and share stories of remembrance with others.”
The Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance features major terrorism events that have occurred between 1983 and 2013, including the 2013 Boston marathon bombing, and nearly 11,000 names of first responders and military personnel who have died as a result of the war on terrorism. It has traveled across the U.S. and initially visited Fullerton College in 2013 during Veterans Awareness Week.
Veterans Awareness Week at Fullerton College is held annually during the first week of November and is dedicated to addressing the needs of veteran-students, while raising awareness and support for veterans in the community. Additional activities this year include two documentary screenings that chronicle a platoon of U.S. soldiers deployed to Afghanistan, a veteran-student forum, and a celebration barbeque complete with music, food, and activities to honor all veterans.
The remembrance wall will arrive on Monday, Nov. 2 escorted by motorcycled veterans and will be guarded by FC veteran-students 24-hours a day. The wall will remain on campus until a closing candlelight vigil is held at dusk on Thursday, Nov. 5.
“Our veteran-students are excited and honored to guard the wall during the visit,” Khalil said. “It brings them great pride, and supports our goal of helping them heal.”
For more information on the Wall of Remembrance or other Veterans Awareness Week activities, visit veterans.fullcoll.edu or call (714) 992-7102.
