A dedication ceremony will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, at 8:30 a.m. It begins with a walk of honor where participants will be given a postcard with a story connected to someone on the wall.

After finding the person, they will read the name and the hometown to a crowd of people who are thrilled the wall is finally here.

“I am definitely 100 percent happy about it,” said Angelique Cangiano, Punta Gorda.

“I think it is impressive and it’s very appropriate,” added Jerry Lindon, of Port Charlotte. 

Richard Carr is the president of the corporation that led the charge for the wall. He is also a veteran.

“I think it is wonderful for the city, and the county, and for the people around here,” he said. 

He admits he could not have done it without them. 

“There were approximately 350 plus businesses and individuals who gave above the $250 level. Of course, there were probably thousands who gave 5 to 10 to 20 bucks,” he said. 

In total, it cost about $625,000. 

“The big donors were the state of Florida and Charlotte County,” said Carr. 

Lindon knew two of the men who died in Vietnam.

“It brings back sort of tough memories in a way. I was in high school at the time, and they were both killed when I was still in high school before I went to the military, so I remember going to their services both of them,” said Lindon. 

Her grandfather also served in the war.

“This means a lot to me as you can imagine, so I am really grateful for it,” she said. 

“Freedom is not free. My grandfather has that on a chair. It is true. Everybody has died for us so that we can stand on this ground and speak freely and do what we want to do,” said Carr. 

The dedication ceremony starts at 10 a.m. It will be followed by a veterans fest. Click here to learn more about the event.