Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall coming to Swim Beach in Big Bear Lake this September

Big Bear Lake will host a powerful piece of living history this fall when the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall arrives at Swim Beach, 41218 Park Ave., for a four-day public display from September 25–28, 2026[1].

The mobile monument is 360 feet long — 80% of the size of the original Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. — and is brought to the community through a partnership between American Legion Post 584 and America's Freedom Tribute[1]. Alongside the Vietnam wall, the event will feature the Cost of Freedom Tribute, which honors service members who served in WWI, WWII, Korea, Desert Storm, Somalia, 9/11, Iraq, and Afghanistan[1].

Jim Lona, vice chair of the San Bernardino Veterans Advisory Committee and American Legion Post 584, said the display offers something meaningful for the entire community. "The American Veterans Traveling Tribute offers the people, alongside veterans, the chance to pay their respects to our nation's fallen warriors and gain a deeper appreciation for all those who have answered the call to service," Lona said[1].

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute has deep roots in veteran advocacy. Originally formed in 1998, it was purchased and reformed in 2005 by Retired Lt. Col. Don Allen, a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, and his wife, Dr. Barb Allen[1]. Over the last 19 years, the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall has appeared at more than 500 events across the country[1].

The display is free and open to the public throughout the four-day run. Residents, veterans, and visitors are encouraged to attend at Swim Beach beginning September 25. Specific hours of operation could not be confirmed; check the City of Big Bear Lake's official channels for updated details closer to the event.