| Sent on behalf of the AVVA National President: During the 2010 Veterans Day Ceremonies at the Vietnam Memorial Wall, Jack Devine and I had the opportunity to speak with Jan Scruggs about the In Memory Plaque with regards to its condition and location. He suggested that we make an appointment with him and his staff to review our efforts over the past six (6) years on rectifying the plaque’s status. On Thursday morning, January 13, 2011, Jack and I met at the office of the Vietnam Memorial Foundation with Holly Rotundi and Dan Reese. After discussing the issues, it appears both organizations are focused on the same issues. Dialogue included: 1. Raising and cantering the plaque; 2. Changing the lettering on the plaque to bronze; 3. Stanchions of better quality with a lower fence; 4. Changing the direction of the plaque to be in line with the apex of The Wall; 5. Visibility and location directions so people can find it; 6. Add the In Memory Plaque to the Parks Commission’s website. The Commission of Fine Arts is refusing to raise the Plaque because once a monument is set it is historical. We will pursue this issue with continued correspondence to the Commission. We will now work together as a team and we are optimistic that a resolution can be made. According to the Veterans Memorial Foundation, it will take approximately $15,000 to $25,000 to complete this project. Therefore, we are now asking everyone to please make donations to this project. Our goal is to have it completed by April 18, 2011, for the rededication of the In Memory Plaque ceremony. Please make your check payable to: VVA or AVVA Remit to: Joe Sternberg, CFO Vietnam Veterans of America 8719 Colesville Rd Suite 100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 ** Please note on your check: “In Memory Plaque” donation Thank you and God bless all of you. Together Always, Nancy Switzer |