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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CITY OF PALMDALE MEDIA ALERT CONTACT: John Mlynar PHONE: 661/267-5115 DATE: November 7, 2017 Photo/Interview Opportunity WHAT: escort of the Antelope Valley's Mobile Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall (AV Wall) from its storage facility to the Palmdale Amphitheater. WHEN: Wednesday, November 8, beginning at 8:30 am. WHERE: The ride will begin at Life Storage, 380 West Palmdale Blvd. Riders will gather at 8 am and the escort will depart at 8:30 am. The escort will travel west on Palmdale Blvd. to 10th Street West, north on 10th Street West to Rancho Vista Blvd, west on Rancho Vista Blvd. to the Palmdale Amphitheater, 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd. Residents and businesses are encouraged to line the escort route waving American flags and “Welcome Home” banners. WHO: Patriot Guard Riders and American Legion Riders will lead the escort. SCHEDULE: This year's presentation of the AV Wall runs from 5 pm Nov. 8 until 8 am Nov. 13. The monument is open to the public around the clock during the display period. Admission is free. The Veterans Day ceremony is planned for 11 am. Nov. 11. A Candlelight Memorial Walk will take place at 9 pm Nov. 11.Taps will be played at 10 pm. BACKGROUND: The Antelope Valley's Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall is a half-scale replica of the black granite wall on the Washington Mall that was designed by artist Maya Lin. It is one of the rarest home-grown memorials of its kind in the nation and represents the Antelope Valley’s commitment to the men and women who served their country. The six-day display at the Palmdale Amphitheater is staffed completely by volunteers, veterans, local service organizations and others. The volunteers attend an in-depth training so they can provide visitors with the best possible experience during their visit to the wall. Volunteers help look up names in the computer database, assist in locating the names on the wall, and provide information about the wall design and layout. ---PAGE BREAK--- The AV Wall was designed and fabricated by Signs and Designs, Inc. of Palmdale. From 2005 through 2009, over $100,000 was raised locally to build the wall. It was dedicated at a ceremony at Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42 on Nov. 13, 2009. The AV Wall has traveled across Southern California, most recently to San Diego last month for the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show that drew 50,000 people. It has been visited by thousands of men, women and children since its dedication and has provided education, healing and a gathering place for Vietnam Veterans to mourn and remember. A visit to the AV Wall offers a chance to show respect and honor those who lost their lives in Vietnam. INFORMATION: 661/524-6408 or visit www.AVWALL.org -30- Communications Department • 38300 Sierra Highway • Palmdale, CA 93550 www.CityofPalmdale.org