The Big Spring Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located at the corner of Avenue D and 8th Street, overlooking the Big Spring McMahon-Wrinkle Airport, formerly Webb Air Force Base. Standing at the edge of Howard College’s Southwest Collegiate Institute of the Deaf.
The memorial was constructed in response to the Moving Wall visiting Big Spring in 1987. The Moving Wall, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington D.C., had (and continues to have) a profound impact on veterans of the Vietnam War and the communities around them, serving as a tangible reminder of the complexities of history and the sacrifices made during one of the most challenging periods of American history.
The meanings of the Moving Wall are especially impactful in Big Spring, Texas, given the town’s historic connection to Webb Air Force Base, which served as a pivotal place of training for U.S. aircrew and pilots. Each name inscribed on the wall is its own tale of courage and sacrifice, many of which got their start in the streets of Big Spring.
Each name inscribed on the Wall represents a narrative of bravery and sacrifice, echoing the stories of thousands of soldiers who passed through Webb Air Force Base. For visitors, the Wall is more than a monument; it's a place of reflection, remembrance, and education. It offers a space to contemplate the past's complexities, the depth of human courage, and the enduring impact of the Vietnam War on families and communities.
Community Involvement and Annual “Run for the Wall”
The Big Spring Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a living part of the community that is upkept by the people that honor its significance. Central to this life is the annual “Run For The Wall” biking event.
Each year, motorcyclists travel through several routes all around North America, stopping at various Memorials to pay homage to the Veterans. Growing as they move to each Wall making the last destination of Washington D.C. One of these stops is the Big Spring Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a nod to the community’s ties to the Vietnam War. When bikers arrive, there is a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial, where Young Marines and citizens gather in solidarity and remembrance the community members lost in the conflict.
This annual event strengthens the bonds between past and present, uniting people from different walks of life in a shared purpose. It's a visceral reminder of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War and a testament to the enduring spirit of honor and gratitude that thrives in Big Spring.