In recent years, the topic of the Vietnam War has gained attention and interest from those who study history, or who have friends or family who served in the conflict. As earlier generations of soldiers from World War II and the Korean War have slowly begun to fade away, Vietnam veterans now see more opportunities to talk about their experiences and share their side of the story. The Honor Flight Network, which began with the mission to assist World War II veterans in visiting their memorial in D.C., now focuses on those who served during the war in Vietnam. Current flights visit the Vietnam Wall, re-uniting veterans on the trip with their lost brothers and sisters.
The original Vietnam Wall was designed by American architect Maya Lin, and was dedicated in 1982. The memorial is composed of two black granite walls that meet at an angle, creating a “V” which is meant to symbolize “a gash in the landscape.” Over 58,000 names of United States service members lost in the Vietnam War are etched on the wall. Shortly after the original wall’s dedication, many veterans groups began to see a need for connecting their brothers and sisters, and their families to this memorial, to help heal the wounds they had carried for years. In 1984, The Moving Wall was created by a group of Vietnam veterans as a means to bring the memorial to those who could not travel to Washington D.C. The Moving Wall is a half-scale replica of the original memorial, but it matches the power and meaning of the D.C wall one-hundred percent. The replica wall is over a football field in length, and lists each of the over 58,000 names from the original Vietnam Wall.
The Moving Wall is constantly on the move, traveling from one US town to the next. From September 25th to the 29th, 2025, the mobile Vietnam Wall will be visiting the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, New York. The Geneseo-based aviation museum is home to the C-130A Saigon Lady, which can be read about in previous articles HERE. This Hercules, built in 1957 as Serial #57-0460, served with the 435th TS of the Vietnam People’s Air Force. This aircraft was bravely commandeered by VPAF Lt. Kheim Pham to fly his family, friends, and gaggle of civilians out of the danger zone during the fall of Saigon. After the War, Saigon Lady spent time with the United States Air Force, and was eventually retired. The aircraft then sat outside the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum at Dulles International Airport, in pieces. In 2018, the National Warplane Museum acquired the C-130A from the Smithsonian, and transported the aircraft up to Geneseo, NY via flatbed trailer.
Since 2018, Saigon Lady has undergone an extensive restoration to static display condition, by a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers. Lt. Pham has visited the museum and “his” C-130 on multiple occasions, while also providing guidance on the aircraft’s accurate restoration. All that remains for the C-130A Saigon Lady to be completed is a few areas of paint on the wings, and a relocation to new concrete pads. Once the aircraft has new shoes underneath it, it will be among the museum’s other two Vietnam Era transport aircraft, the C-119 Flying Boxcar and C-47B Skytrain (on loan from the Military Aircraft Restoration Corp.) The relocation of Saigon Lady is also being done with the goal of providing a better aesthetic and location for the soon-to-be-visiting Moving Wall Memorial display. The plan is to have Saigon Lady directly abreast to The Moving Wall, allowing for a congruent and emotional experience to all who visit the display.
For the September event, plans are also being made with the local 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, of the NY Army National Guard. The plan is to fly in a Boeing CH-47 Chinook for display. This local National Guard unit is based 25 miles from Geneseo Airport, and is always willing to provide support for the museum’s various functions. The CH-47 served many important roles during the Vietnam War, by delivering artillery supplies, serving as a gunship, and assisting as a med-evac platform.
The Moving Wall serves to heal the wounds left behind by the Southeast Asian conflict of the Cold War. The Wall is open 24/7 during its stay at each location, allowing Veterans and others likewise affected by the War an “after hours” opportunity to visit. This is often a favorable time slot for many, as it is quieter, less crowded, and affords the opportunity to face difficult emotions in a semi-private setting. The Moving Wall is staffed by local VFW and American Legion units, in conjunction with crisis counselors who can help support any visitor who is facing overwhelming emotions.
The Vietnam War is an important part of American history, one that must never be forgotten. For this brief five day period in late September, Veterans, their families and friends will find a “welcome home” in Geneseo.
