The traveling Vietnam War Memorial, bearing the names of the 58,000 who died in that conflict, will be in Safford for five days in April.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in Thatcher is sponsoring the event, scheduled for April 2-7, said Charlotte Reynolds, auxiliary president. The traveling wall, owned by the Traveling Wall Foundation in Washington, D.C., will be open around the clock, and admission will be free.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold, Graham County, the city of Safford and the towns of Pima and Thatcher are helping to pay the $8,000-plus cost of bringing the memorial to the Gila Valley. The costs include lodging and meals for the four people who bring the wall and the cost of printed materials, Reynolds said. The plan to bring the replica to the Valley began last January when Reynolds saw it displayed in Quartzite.

“That’s when I made up my mind that I had to bring it to Safford,” Reynolds said. “It’s a way to honor all veterans.”

The memorial wall is large — four-fifths the size of the actual memorial in Washington, D.C. At 370 feet it is longer than a football field. It is made up of 35 portable panels, and at its center, the replica is 8 feet tall, Reynolds said.

The memorial exhibit will also include a remembrance art collection and tributes to the 9-11 victims and those who died in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“The main focus is to provide the whole community a chance to honor, respect and remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” Reynolds said.

Those who want to contribute to the event can send a check to the Gila Valley Ladies Auxiliary, 3481 W. Eighth St., Thatcher, AZ 85552. Indicate on the check it is for the Traveling Wall Foundation. For more information contact Reynolds at 428-1958.

Editor’s note: We are looking for Vietnam veterans who are willing to share their stories and/or photos with us and the public. Please call 428-2560 and leave your name and number if you are interested.