Vietnam veterans memorial erected in Dinuba

DINUBA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A South Valley town is now home to a memorial honoring Vietnam veterans. A permanent memorial wall was erected on Sunday in the rose garden at the Dinuba Memorial Hall. It has the names of more than 58,000 fallen Vietnam troops etched on 144 panels with black aluminum facings.

The memorial is the only permanent replica version of the Washington, D.C., memorial that's located in the Western United States. Coordinators say it cost more than $175,000 to bring the wall to the Valley, and they still need more help.

"It doesn't finish there. We're still going to have to do fundraisers to upkeep the lawn, to upkeep the maintenance, to pay security, to pay someone to do the gardening," said coordinator Romelia Castillo. "It's pride, and I wish all the communities in California, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona will take pride and help us."

Castillo estimates at least another $25,000 needs to be raised for the wall. If you would like to visit the memorial, it is accessible seven days a week.

A dedication is planned on April 30, which marks 40 years since the Vietnam War ended.