Vietnam Wall replica on display in St. George

A volunteer helped the Akers find the name of a family friend, John T. Krebs Jr., who died during the Vietnam War.

"I think it's important for us to know about these people who fought for our freedom, especially in light of what is happening today in Iraq," Erika Akers said. "It's just a special and amazing thing that somebody who doesn't have to go to war will do it and fight for us."

Even though there is round-the-clock security at the exhibit, someone still managed to steal a Purple Heart issued by the military for a display on missing soldiers, Lewis said.

"I don't want that to take anything away from the wall being here, though," said Lewis, who created the POW/MIA display to honor those who have never made it back home, including three of his closest buddies. "But it's really amazing that anybody would think to do that. It was the only thing missing in the whole tent."

A closing ceremony is scheduled at 4 p.m. today in the ballroom of the Dixie Center, 1835 Convention Center Dr.

More information about "The Wall That Heals" can be found on-line at www.vvmf.org or www.vvasouthernutah.org

---

E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com