[KHTS] – The entire Westfield Valencia Town Center is getting in on the patriotism surrounding the arrival of the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall this week.
Purple HeartsThe wall opens to the public at 6 p.m. on Thursday, but artistic displays honoring our veterans are already being hung throughout the mall.
Six local artists were chosen to create seven pieces of Purple Heart-inspired artwork, with a patriotic, military or Vietnam theme.
The works of Janet Antepara, Melanie Florio, Stephanie Darling, Frank Rock, Michael Jones and Pablo Cevallos (two pieces) are hung above the central walkway between Macy’s and Sears.
In addition, various flags have been hung throughout the building, including military flags from the Vietnam War era and flags supporting soldiers who are prisoners of war or missing in action.
“Here at Valencia Town Center, we feel that it’s an absolute privilege to have the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall come to our center,” said Marketing Director Stacie House, “and we really wanted to expand on those efforts and create an additional tribute to all of those that serve our country and all of those that have fought and lost their lives.”
The “Purple Hearts” will be on display for an entire week, even after the Vietnam Wall moves on.
House said that the response from the community has been very positive.
“It’s really incredible to see the looks on our community’s faces,” she said. “They’re really awestruck.”
Opening ceremonies for the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the Westfield parking lot near Citrus Street. There will be additional ceremonies and continuous readings of the names on the wall ending Sunday.
Mall Decked Out in Purple Hearts for Wall Visit
