The oldest Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica is making a stop in Palmerton this summer.

Stephen Vlossak, Palmerton resident and Vietnam War veteran, said he, in conjunction with local veteran organizations, arranged to have the Vietnam Moving Wall installed in the borough park from July 21-25.A half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., the wall has been touring the country for over 30 years.It comes complete with more than 58,000 names of those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War including two Palmerton natives, Spc. 4th Class Neal Bollinger and Pvt. 1st Class Clifford Sell."It means a great deal to have this wall, and everything it represents, coming to Palmerton," Vlossak said. "It serves as a wonderful tribute to all of those who didn't come home. The wall is a place of reverence and it will be displayed with the utmost respect when it's here."John Devitt and a number of other Vietnam veteran volunteers built The Moving Wall after attending the 1982 dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas, in October 1984.The wall is managed by the Vietnam Combat Veterans based in Michigan.Almost 1,000 names on the wall have circles around them, indicating they are missing in action.Vlossak said he and fellow members of local veterans organizations will build a foundation for the wall to sit on when it gets to the park."We'll also be in charge of the installation," he added. "The plan is for it to come into town on the morning of the 21st and hopefully be set up by 1 p.m. that day."Having only received confirmation 10 days ago of the wall coming to Palmerton, planning of events while it's here is still in the early stages."We'll have it escorted into town," Vlossak said. "There will be a few ceremonies scheduled as well."The planned location of the wall is the southwest corner of the park near the Veterans Memorial.Other local veterans listed on the wall include Anthony R. Giannangeli, William C. Whitehead Jr. and Michael P. Pavlocak Jr. of Lansford; Ronald S.H. Christman, Leon D. Eckhart, of Lehighton; Charles R. Jones of Parryville; George M. Bevich Jr. of Summit Hill; Donald Glen Detrick of Slatington; Merlin Charles Hollenbach of Andreas; David Russell Bartholomew of Kresgeville; Richard William Falk and Larry Mark Horner of Walnutport; Samuel O'Donnell of Weatherly; and Howard Arthur Donald and David Verbilla of Tamaqua.