On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, members of American Legion Post 323 in Wentzville, Mo., dedicated a 12’ x 18’ mural honoring all who served in the Vietnam War. This dedication coincided with the annual Run for the Wall in Washington, D.C. Over 500 riders arrived in Wentzville Monday evening and attended the Tuesday morning dedication before beginning the next leg of their journey.
Col. Brett Hanke led the devotion and noted that the mural is dedicated to everyone who served regardless of status or location. This includes all five branches of the Armed Forces, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and civilians. Over 9 million military personnel served active duty during the official Vietnam War era from Aug. 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975.
The mural is located near the nation’s first Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 201 W. Pearce Blvd., Wentzville. Members of the George Ehll family, owners of the Ehll’s Western Auto store next door, graciously donated the west-facing exterior wall of their building so the mural could overlook the memorial.
Hanke explained that a few years ago, the Wentzville Arts Council and the Wentzville Community Historical Society put together an initiative for a beautification project that included murals throughout the downtown district. A local resident, Paul Deschamp, D.C., was asked to come up with an idea for the mural.
Paul had served in the 1st Cavalry Division (Air Mobile). No war had used the helicopter and air mobile operations as extensively as the Vietnam War. Consequently, one of the iconic images of the war is that of a soldier guiding a Huey helicopter into a landing zone, so that is the image selected to be displayed by the mural. Adding to the uniqueness of the design is lighting that illuminates the cockpit and the faces of the pilots at night.
Wentzville takes great pride in being home to the first Vietnam Veterans memorial in the United States. Originally dedicated on Dec. 2, 1967, the Vietnam memorial has undergone a number of facelifts and renovations. Today it consists of a single column of red Missouri granite, topped by the carved figure of an eagle, and bears the inscription, “Whither thou goest, I will go.” Ruth 1:16. The new mural enhances the overall experience of the site, and Wentzville welcomes all visitors who stop by to honor and remember those who have served.