Over the weekend, Hopewell High School played host to The Traveling Vietnam Wall Experience. Sponsored by Nelsen Funeral Home, the "Wall" is a half-size replica of the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial that lists the 58,000 Americans who died in the Vietnam War.

"The Moving Wall" has been touring the country for almost 20 years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

It had only been brought to Virginia four times before coming to Hopewell. That's because most Virginians don't have to travel too far to visit the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington.

Still, the Wall's visit to Hopewell brought people from across the state. Whether it was a day trip or a weekend stay really isn't important. People came to Hopewell to remember and to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

Nelsen Funeral Home and the city are to be commended for providing that opportunity.