In 1989, the decision was made by our membership to construct a replica of the Vietnam National Memorial as our contribution to the Veterans Day Parade in Birmingham. However, we realized that the face of the "Wall" would only be visible from one side of the parade route, so we did some redesigning. The result was a trapezoid shaped memorial, constructed of plywood. It measured 32 feet in length and bore the names of the 1,207 Alabamians who are listed as Killed In Action or Missing In Action in the Vietnam War. All these names were hand painted by our members, and required over 1500 hours of lettering to complete. The top, and the flag holders, were added later for static displays.

The "Alabama Wall" was so well received by the public during the parade that we knew that it could not be dismantled and forgotten. We began moving the memorial to various locales around the state at the request of various veterans organizations, churches, schools and neighborhoods by invitation. This makeshift monument seemed to bring a sense of closure for many as well many tears to our visitors.

    The repeated assembling and disassembling of the wooden wall began to take its toll in wear and tear and we were close to having to withdraw it from service. Because of the demand and terrific response we had received from the public, we decided to construct a more permanent replacement. This time we set out to build a memorial that was designed to be mobile, durable and that people could do rubbings of the names. After much thought, we decided to try and build the memorial on a trailer for ease of transport, parade purposes, and to build it out of monument quality marble or granite. After many conversations with engineers and design specialists who told us it was not feasible, we found a firm that took on the challenge. From there the project took on a life of its own. In a very short time we had a custom built trailer, the proper granite, typeset masks, engravers and lots of volunteer help lined up. The Chapter provided all funds for the construction and several local business provided construction and design services. In less than a years time we were ready to begin the engraving of the granite face with the names. That weekend the chapter members cleaned, polished, laid masking material and held their collective breaths as the first names were sandblasted into the wall.

    The Alabama Vietnam Moving Memorial was dedicated into service during the Veterans Day weekend in 1992. It is, to our knowledge, the only memorial of its kind. Constructed of Black Zimbabwe Granite, it weighs 5,880 pounds. It is 28 feet long, and stands four feet tall at its center, and is mounted on a specialized transport trailer, making mobile. We also have a custom truck to tow the wall for routine transport and parades.

The memorial bears the engraved names of the Alabamians who made the supreme sacrifice in Southeast Asia. These names were obtained from the official casualty lists provided by the National Archives. This list was last updated in early 1992, but we have added the name of one Alabamian to our list since confirmation by DOD. We ask you to honor these brave Alabamians with us.