By Nathan Duke
Staff Writer

Manchester's Lou 'Raider' Demers, vice president of the New Hampshire chapter of the Nam Knights of America, looks for Arturo Sisneros' name. Demers was with Sisneros when he was killed in Laos in May 1969. (Nathan Duke Photo)

Hundreds of residents from the greater Manchester area have visited the Vietnam Moving Wall in Goffstown since its arrival on Saturday, July 9, to pay their respects to family members, classmates, spouses and friends who were among the 58,244 American soldiers killed in the line of duty during the Vietnam War.

Goffstown is the fourth town in New Hampshire and one of 1,000 towns in the United States to host the wall. The monument, which is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C., that was created by veteran John Devitt, will be on display at Goffstown High School's field for a week, from July 9 to 16.

About 150 people were in attendance for the opening ceremony for the wall, which began at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 9. Goffstown library assistant Sandy Whipple, who coordinated the wall's time here with library director Dianne Hathaway, presented the wall with an opening speech.

"If I were to ask each of you to close your eyes and picture a wall, you.d think of a barrier that closes and divides, but this one beckons and unites," she told the crowd.

Of the names on the wall, she said, "Each of them once lived, loved, hoped and dreamed. They represented untold human potential. You being here allows them to live again."

Pastor Bill Stockhaus, of the Weare Congregational Church, said an opening prayer and asked for remembrance not only for the names of the fallen soldiers listed on the wall, but also for each soldier never found and not listed on the monument.

Goffstown Selectman Barbara Griffin read a proclamation from Gov. John Lynch that declared July 9-16 to be Vietnam Veterans Week in Goffstown from now on.

Veteran Russ Lauriat spoke on behalf of a number of veterans from a variety of organizations who were attending the event.

"These men and women (listed on the wall) are worth more recognition than words," he said. "The deeds they performed will be written in history for generations to come. They are the true guardians of freedom, justice and equality. They are the true heroes in our lives."

Memorial wreaths were laid by representing families of area veterans and by Jack Head, who is president of Vietnam Veterans of America Central New Hampshire Chapter 41, which was followed by music from folk singer Carol Noonan, who played Vietnam War era songs.

Visitors to the wall came to find the names of friends, family members and classmates and area veterans searched for the names of men with whom they served. Volunteers were on hand to assist in the finding of names. However, few people ended up needing help, said volunteer Fred Christie, a Goffstown veteran Marine who served in the war from 1967-68.

"Most people who are looking for a specific name know how to do it," he said. "Many of them have been to the wall in D.C., so they know where (the name) is."

Volunteers began a 72-hour reading of the 58,244 names on the wall around 6 p.m. on July 9. Each volunteer read quietly for about 20 minutes at a booth underneath an umbrella next to the wall.

Members from several local and nationwide veterans. organizations attended the opening ceremony, including representatives from the Manchester chapter of motorcycle club Nam Knights of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, NH State Council and Rolling Thunder.

Lou "Raider" Demers, vice president of the New Hampshire chapter of the Nam Knights of America, searched for Arturo Sisneros. name on the wall. Demers said he served with Sisneros during his tour of duty in Vietnam. Sisneros was killed in the line of duty in May of 1969 and Demers was only about 10 feet away from him. He said he located Sisneros. name on the wall in D.C. as well.

Bob Williams, who served from 1967-68 in the 377 Combat Support Group, said he is not visiting the wall to find a particular name, but to honor all of the names on it.

"No matter what war (a soldier) fought in or if they served in peace time, we are brothers," he said.

Manchester veteran Quinn Morey, who rides with Rolling Thunder and has participated in 10 trips to the wall in D.C. on Memorial Day weekend, took part in the motorized escort that transported the wall from its arrival point in Manchester to the field in Goffstown. He said looking at the names on the wall makes him realize how fortunate he is.

"It could have very easily been me up there," he said. "Thank God, it isn't."

Sally Booth searched the wall for the name of a former classmate and friend . Robert Ahern . who died in combat during the war. She said it is important to remind people of the sacrifices made during times of war.

"I think it is wonderful (the wall) came here and very timely," she said. "We are again losing people to war and it is important to see the sheer numbers of the sons, brothers, fathers and friends who are not here because of it."

A candlelight vigil was to be held at the wall at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, which included prayers and music. More than 1,000 candles were to be lit and Muchachos Senior Drum and Bugle Corps was to play "Taps."

The closing ceremony for the wall will take place Saturday, July 16, at 8 a.m. Closing remarks will be made by Pastor Ford and Russ Lauriat.