The first reunion started out with a small group of veterans and supporters who wanted to show their respect to those who never made it back from Vietnam.

The turnout that year was about 3,000 people. A three-fifths-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., 288 feet in length and six feet tall, was escorted to Wickham Park in Melbourne, Florida, in April, 2009, by 2,500 motorcycles.

The week-long event has grown to be the largest veterans’ reunion in the country with as many as 100,000 people attending this year. In recent years the memorial added The Korean War Tribute and the Some Gave All Tribute, which honors those who died in Iraq, Afghanistan and other wars since Vietnam. There are also panels that memorialize those who died on September 11 from terrorist attacks. To honor all veterans, the event’s name was recently changed to Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion.

The wall visiting area is open 24 hours a day for seven days, and is staffed by personnel who assist with finding names on the wall and supply counseling to those in need.

On the other side of the park, festivities are held that include performers, bands, vendors, food, drink and an opportunity to see old friends.

Those of you who attend every year know what a good time it is, and those of you who haven’t attended in the past should seriously consider doing so.

This event is free and open to the public. Information about the event, scheduling, etc., is available at www.floridaveteransreunion.com.

I hope to see you there.

—Rogue