For Immediate Release                                                         Contact: Lee A. Allen
December 16, 2011                                                                (202) 393-0090, ext. 109

WELCOME HOME: IRAQ VETERANS TO BE HONORED AT EDUCATION CENTER AT THE WALL

Founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Looks Forward to Memorializing Sacrifices Made by Warriors in Current Conflicts

Washington, D.C. – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is pleased to offer a “Welcome Home” to members of the U.S. Armed Forces returning from war in Iraq, and pledges that when completed, The Education Center at The Wall will honor the men and women who have served in all wars and are part of America’s legacy of service. VVMF and its founders emphasize that the planned Education Center will include and honor those who bore the burden of service in Iraq and who are currently fighting in Afghanistan.

"Veterans of the Iraq war are men and women who served with pride and bravery,” says VVMF President and Founder, Jan C. Scruggs.  “Much like the heroes who served in Vietnam, they have done their best for their country, for each other and for the people of Iraq. They will be rightly honored at the Education Center.”

As the war has now ended in Iraq, plans are already underway for a fitting tribute. “This process will take considerable time and deliberation. However, the sacrifices made by veterans of the war in Iraq and other wars, like Afghanistan, must be honored now,” Scruggs said.

The Education Center at The Wall is designed to be a place for us all to reflect about who we are as citizens, as a people, as a country. Future generations will connect with those individuals who died for their country, ensuring that military heroes’ sacrifices will always be treasured... and that their names will never be forgotten. As currently planned, visits will begin with a walk through a history of America’s conflicts, from Bunker Hill to Baghdad. The price of freedom will be honored in the Education Center and patriotism will be shown to be timeless.

Scruggs adds that he has met with key Members of Congress, and assures that there is broad support for honoring the more recent veterans. He continues, ”But until then, their sacrifices will be remembered at the Education Center.”

About VVMF and the Education Center at the Wall

The Education Center at The Wall is a place on our National Mall where our military heroes' stories and sacrifice will never be forgotten. With a groundbreaking planned for November 2012, The Education Center at The Wall is a multi-million dollar, state-of- the-art visitor’s center and learning facility to be built on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans and the Lincoln Memorials. Visitors will better understand the profound impact the Vietnam War had their friends and family members, their home towns, and the Nation. The Education Center will feature the faces and stories of the 58,272 men and women on “The Wall,” honoring those who fell in Vietnam, those who fought and returned, as well as the friends and families of all who served. For more information, visit www.buildthecenter.org.

Established in 1979, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., promoting healing and educating about the impact of the Vietnam War.

Support the Education Center at The Wall by visiting www.buildthecenter.org, calling 866-990-WALL, or by texting "WALL" to 2022.

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