Nearly 500 motorcycles escorted a Vietnam Veterans memorial into Kinston Tuesday afternoon.

The traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is a miniature version of the permanent memorial wall in Washington, D.C.

Veterans say the wall gives those who have never had the opportunity to travel to the nation's capitol the chance to experience the memorial's power.

The wall will be open 24 hours a day at Emma Webb Park beginning Thursday morning at 10:00 o'clock.

Veterans say the sister of the Vietnam Veteran buried in the tomb of the unknown soldier in Arlington National Cemetery will attend the opening ceremony.

Local Vietnam Vets we spoke to say that the walls visit helps honor the sacrifices they made.

A candlelight ceremony honoring POW/MIA's will take place Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the wall.

Organizers say the memorial will be in Kinston through September 19th.