(Seguin) — A powerful show of unity and respect is set to roll into Seguin today as the community prepares to welcome the American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute (AVTT) and Vietnam Wall. Ahead of its opening ceremony, the Guadalupe County Veterans Council will host a special motorcycle mission this morning – a mission which will escort the wall from San Marcos to Seguin.
Riders will gather at San Marcos High School’s Rattler Stadium beginning at 9:30 a.m., with departure scheduled for 10:15 a.m. The procession, which may include up to 100 riders, will travel south to Seguin, concluding at the parking lot of Smokey Joe Williams Field at the Seguin Events Complex. The baseball field will be the wall’s home for the next several days.
Raul Aguilar, who represents the American Legion and American Legion Riders, says the escort is an opportunity for veterans and supporters alike to come together and ensure the wall’s arrival is marked with the honor it deserves.
“We are coordinating a motorcycle ride to escort it in from San Marcos into Seguin at our Smokey Joe (Williams Field) Stadium and just calling out our veterans and having them show respect and honor by escorting it and making sure it comes in safely,” said Aguilar.
For Aguilar, he says the mission carries deep personal meaning. He says it marks a special tribute for those who served before him.
“I’m a veteran myself. When I got back from my two deployments in Iraq, I was really honored. We were treated like almost super-sized when we came back from our war and the Vietnam veterans, they did not so having that opportunity to do it later really means a lot to me and being able to show them that their sacrifices do mean a lot,” said Aguilar.
Organizers say anyone wishing to take part in the escort is welcome to join. Riders simply need to meet at Rattler Stadium in San Marcos before the group’s departure at 10:15 a.m. The ride will travel south on State Highway 123.
The American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute (AVTT) and Vietnam Wall will officially open in Seguin at Smokey Joe Field on Tuesday at 12:10 p.m. following this year’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Seguin Coliseum. Events include parade at 9 a.m. and ceremony at 11 a.m.
The traveling exhibit, also featuring other conflicts since WW II, will remain available for free public viewing 24/7 in Seguin from Tuesday, Nov.11 through Saturday, Nov. 15.