Reporter file photo by Grace Green
Posted By: The Reporter August 27, 2025
Submitted
VAU Fallen Heroes Memorial Dog Tag Flag Wall will be on display Sept. 11 to 13 at the Frank Huntzinger American Legion Post #45, 273 S. 8th St., Noblesville.
VAU is proud to have an opportunity to display its Global War on Terror (GWOT) Fallen Heroes Memorial at the September 11 event. The memorial is made of over 7,000 replica dog tags with all the names of those heroes who have fallen in the War on Terror. Guests can also use the interactive kiosk to research soldiers on the wall by viewing a photo and biography of each hero.
“We hope to bring awareness of the heavy price paid for this flag and to keep our country free,” VAU Founder and President James Howard said. “Behind each one of the 7,065 dog tags is a personal story of true heroism and selfless sacrifice. We hope our memorial provides an opportunity for visitors to honor, reflect, and heal. To remember all those who gave their lives defending this great country in the War on Terror.”
About VAU
Veterans & Athletes United (VAU) is an all-volunteer veterans 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. VAU provides many programs that support veterans with disabilities of all generations. The second part of the organization’s mission is to honor all the fallen heroes from the War on Terror.
The first VAU Fallen Heroes Memorial was completed in 2018 and there are now two that travel the country. The memorial takes the form of the American flag when draped on a fallen service member’s casket, standing six feet tall and 28 feet wide. It has 50 gold stars honoring Gold Star families nationwide. Both memorials have traveled to almost 200 locations nationwide since 2018.
All proceeds from the walls travels go to support Gold Star family organizations and the GWOT Memorial Foundation’s mission to build a national memorial in Washington, D.C. More details can be found at vetsau.org/memorial. You can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
