The pouring rain didn't keep people away from the opening of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute of the Vietnam Traveling Wall at Youngstown State University Thursday afternoon.

The 360 foot long wall is a smaller version of the memorial in Washington.

"We think it's important, with the aging population of the Vietnam veterans, that we bring this here to Youngstown where folks that can't make it to Washington D.C. can come here and see an 80% replica of the one that's in D.C., said YSU. Veterans Affairs Coordinator, Patrick Williams.

To Vietnam veterans, the wall is a significant reminder of all the sacrifices made by the over 58,000 people named on it, and those who survived and carry the memories of the war.

Vietnam veteran, Leo Williams, said, "When we came home, we weren't accepted. We weren't appreciated, spit on, we were called every name you could possibly think of. This shows respect to those guys sacrifice and have given their life for the freedom we have today."

Williams also said there is not a day that goes by that he doesn't think about what went on during his time in Vietnam.

"I can today, 50 years later, describe the tourniquets I put on legs, the bodies I carried out, I had their blood on my uniform for months before I could get a new one or get out of the jungle to do that," said Williams.

The wall will be open for viewing around the clock on Wood Street on the YSU. campus through Sunday at Noon.