Among over 58,000 names of fallen Vietnam veterans, Vincent Tedesco said there’s one he’ll never forget.
“There’s a name on this wall I am directly responsible for, I gave the order that got him killed,” Tedesco said.
As he searches through the long list, he’s reminded of a loyal serviceman who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“I go say hello to Billy Strickland every time I see his name. He was just a great young man. I gave an order and he did what he was told and he was a casualty,” Tedesco said.
The traveling wall is an 80% replica of the Vietnam memorial in Washington D.C.
A project brought to Innovation Park by WPSU in State College to spark four days of community reflection.
“They gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Tedesco said.
Tedesco served 27 years in the United States Army.
And while he feels the support today, he believes the respect for those who served in Vietnam is long overdue.
“Even today we say welcome home brother, when we meet each other, because no one welcomed us home except our families,” Tedesco said.
But he believes our nation’s strength thrives on remembering our history and paying tribute to those who fought for justice for all.
“Honor them, every one of them,” Tedesco said.
And he’s touched to see the legacy of the names on the traveling wall live on.
“I’m happy to see it here in Centre County and at Penn State because this where my root is now,” Tedesco said
This memorial is free and open to the public 24/7 at the 200 block of Innovation Park until 3 p.m. on Sunday.