La Center Police Chief Tim Hopkin made a lot of new friends in the months since he first introduced the idea of bringing the American Veterans Traveling Tribute to his city. Hopkin has been the point person, from his first appearance before the La Center City Council, right up to the final planning stages for the tribute’s appearance in La Center, Aug. 4-8. He spoke to various groups and community members two or three times a week trying to raise funds and support. Hopkin, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War, also received many visits from fellow veterans who were eager to share their experiences with a new companion. “One of the positive things I didn’t suspect is the way it identified me as someone these veterans can talk to,’’ said Hopkin, a veteran of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division during his stay in the military from 1969-1972. “I still have people coming to my office wanting to talk about what conflict they were in. Because of this connection, I’ve made a lot of friends who I didn’t know.’’ And, from Aug. 4-8, he will surely make more as the tribute will be featured in La Center City Park, near the La Center Little League fields. “It’s really taken on a life of its own,’’ Hopkin said of the event. “We don’t know what to expect in terms of numbers, but I suspect our town will be pretty full during that week.’’ The tribute travels the U.S. each year participating in sponsored events with a mission to honor, respect and remember those who served, and those who are serving. The traveling exhibit pays tribute to veterans with several exhibits and memorials. The Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall is an 80 percent size replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. It stands 8-feet tall at its apex and is over 370-feet long. The Traveling Vietnam Wall is the largest replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The wall contains all 58,253 names. The wall is current through 2009 and is constantly being updated to accurately pay tribute to those who died during the Vietnam War. The exhibit features: • A timeline, series of facts and figures, and a display of art from Vietnam veteran artists depicting patriotic and veteran themes; • Displays representing statistics from every war or conflict that the USA has been involved in; • World War II panels portraying the entire history of events; • A Korean War tribute representing the history of the entire conflict with corresponding battle maps and photos; • Displays of USA founding and significant historical documents including the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. La Center and Roseburg, OR, are the only Western cities scheduled to host the Traveling Wall this year. “Not everybody can go back to Washington, DC, to see the wall,’’ Hopkin said. “Believe me, it’s hallowed ground, and our park will be hallowed ground when it is here. “There is a healing process for every veteran who goes there,’’ Hopkin added. “I’ve never been to the one in Washington, DC, but they say the silence is deafening. Something happens when veterans visit it. They say it is a spiritually-healing moment. It’s an honor for me to do this for our city.’’ The total cost to put on the event will be between $20,000-$25,000, according to Hopkin. About half has been raised so far, most of which came from a commitment from the City of La Center, as approved by City Council members. “Fund raising has been pretty tough,’’ Hopkin said. “The dollars that are out there are pretty competitive. We’re inching along. Every dollar counts.’’ Those interested in donating to the cost of the event or assisting in fundraising can contact La Center City Hall (360) 263-2782 or the La Center Police Department (360) 263-2745. Donations can also be made via Paypal at the City of La Center Web site, www.ci.lacenter.wa.us. “We’re nowhere near where we need to be,’’ said Hopkin, of the fundraising effort. “But, the wall is still coming regardless.’’