Scranton and Lackawanna County will co-sponsor in the fall a traveling wall honoring the veterans of the Vietnam War and a display honoring the sacrifice of service members from World War I through Operation Enduring Freedom.

The nonprofit America’s Freedom Tribute will have the exhibits on display at Nay Aug Park on Oct. 2-4, the city announced Monday.

“We are excited to partner with Scranton and Lackawanna County to offer this experience and create a memorable event,” AFT event coordinator Kylah Doherty said in the announcement issued by the city.

A similar touring replica of the permanent Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., visited the city in 2007 and 2011.

The idea of getting a replica wall back on display in the city was raised by James “Kuch” Kuchwara, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and commander of VFW Post 25 in North Scranton before he died in March 2023 at age 73. Kuchwara and his brother, Marine veteran Sam Kuchwara, were visiting Nay Aug Park one day a few years ago when Jim mentioned to Sam the idea of bringing a touring wall back to the city.

“One of the last things he said to me was, ‘Sam, remember one thing: Always, always, always remember a veteran, no matter what,’” Kuchwara recalled.

The Cost of Freedom tribute includes panels memorializing those who have made the ultimate sacrifice from World War I through Operation Enduring Freedom.

The exhibits come as the nation this year celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States. Scranton last month also celebrated the city’s 160th anniversary.

Officials’ comments on the exhibit:

• Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti: “Scranton and Northeastern Pennsylvania have an incredible record of service to our country, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We are honored to partner with Lackawanna County to present this solemn tribute to our late heroes and the families of those from our area who continue to fight for our freedom. This event presents a powerful addition to Scranton’s celebrations in honor of America’s 250th birthday.”

• Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak: “I am proud to announce our partnership with the City of Scranton to co-sponsor America’s Freedom Tribute, a powerful tribute honoring our veterans and fallen heroes from World War I through Operation Enduring Freedom, set for October 2-4, 2026, at Nay Aug Park. With Pennsylvania ranking fourth in the nation for veteran population, this tribute underscores our commitment to honoring those who served. We invite the community to join us in this meaningful remembrance.”

• Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan: “Many thousands of Lackawanna County residents, over many decades, have given their all — sometimes including their lives — for their fellow citizens, their country, and fundamental principles of the American idea. It’s truly fitting to honor them with this traveling tribute at Nay Aug Park, and we’re proud to join the city in doing so.”

• Lackawanna County Commissioner Chairman Thom Welby: “I am particularly proud for our county to bring this important Memorial Wall to our region, not only to impress upon and reinforce the significance and importance of what past, present and future military service provides for in our country and community — but also to celebrate, honor and welcome home our Vietnam veterans. These men and women were the ‘forgotten veterans’ as a result of tumultuous times in the 60s and 70s. I urge all of our residents to join in the participation of this event while thanking all veterans for their service and sacrifice.”