With its goal that veterans “will no longer be forgotten,” The Villages’ Band of Brothers is sponsoring the Nov. 1 to 5 return of the replica of the Traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall to Lady Lake.
They also are asking everyone to remember their sacrifices by helping to sponsor the Club’s commemorative program that will be distributed during the five-day visit. Proceeds will benefit the Band of Brothers’ efforts on behalf of local veterans.
“We help fill the void of government assistance programs when veterans and their families need an additional helping hand,” said club member Jerry Prince. “They may need temporary cash for food and a housing allowance to get them back on their feet – or even pay for a needy veteran’s burial. Others ask for our assistance to navigate through the government’s bureaucratic maze or the ‘red tape’ of the Veterans Administration.”
The Band of Brothers had started as a social club supporting its members, some of whom are veterans experiencing PTSD or have a physical disability.
Recently, it became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization enabling donations. With a membership of more than 400, Band of Brothers works with other veteran-support groups such as Villagers For Veterans and the American Legion.
“The group meets Tuesdays, at 1:30 at Sumter Landing’s City Fire Restaurant. We invite all veterans to join us,” said Prince.
“Right now, we are focusing on the traveling exhibit. It is a 3/5 scale version of the original in Washington, D.C., and is almost 300 feet long. Some 30,000 people toured the ‘wall’ last time it was in the area. Our program book will offer them something to further remember the occasion.
“We want to reach out to all vets especially those who served in Vietnam. They returned home unrecognized and unappreciated. Our Memorial Wall program is another way that everyone can demonstrate our support of veterans.”
Contact Prince at 352.358.1084 or jpmarshal47@gmail.com for more information about the Band of Brothers.
