Jim Lee expert stoneworker of Colorado-based Engrave Write along with JC Cummings, AIA, the architect of record for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial go over placement of the names to be added to the wall.

The names being added meet the Department of Defense (DOD) criteria for addition to The Wall: all of the men died as a result of wounds sustained in the combat zone during the Vietnam War.

JC and Jim very carefully match the lettering thickness to the area where the name will be added.

Work began on April 29 and ended with a formal ceremony on May 4 when the last name was added with many family members looking on.

A variety of factors, including the weather and where the sun is hitting The Wall, determine when each of the changes or additions is made. When names are added, the highly technical procedure requires meticulous work to match the stroke and depth of the surrounding names to within one-thousandth of an inch.

“We will add the names as close as possible to their dates of casualty, so these servicemen can remain in the company of those they served with,” said Jan Scruggs. LTC William Lynwood Taylor will be added on the location corresponding to his exact date of casualty.

Names Being Added to The Wall: Lance Cpl. John E. Granville, U.S. Marine Corps, Lance Cpl. Clayton K. Hough, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps, Capt. Edward F. Miles, U.S. Army, Sgt. Michael J. Morehouse, U.S. Army, Lt. Col. William L. Taylor, U.S. Army and Cpl. Ronald M. Vivona, U.S. Marine Corps

In a short ceremony before the name addition, JC Cummings, AIA, the architect of record for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will offer some history of the Memorial and the addition of names.

Jim Lee who will be adding the names, gives details about the process.

A spokesperson from each of the families of the service members whose names are being added will make remarks about their loved ones.

A spokesperson from each of the families of the service members whose names are being added will make remarks about their loved ones.

Mary Theresa ‘Terri’ Jackson talking about her brother, Capt. Edward F. Miles, US Army

Family members of all the service members whose names are being added to The Wall spoke about their family member whose name is being added and what the day means to them.

With these changes the total number of names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to 58,267 men and women who were killed or remain missing in action.

Terri Jackson pointing out her brother’s name, Capt. Edward F. Miles, US Army, to Holly Rotondi, Vice President Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

The six new names will become “official” when they are read aloud during the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at The Wall on Monday, May 31, at 1:00 p.m.