Scranton and Lackawanna County are co-sponsoring the tribute, including a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica and ‘Cost of Freedom’ display
SCRANTON, PA. – The City of Scranton, as the co-sponsor of a traveling exhibit honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans of the Vietnam War and service members from World War I through Operation Enduring Freedom, has announced the schedule of events for the Oct. 2-4 display at Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave., Scranton. These tributes are presented in partnership with Lackawanna County and provided by America’s Freedom Tribute (AFT).
“Scranton and Northeastern Pennsylvania have an incredible record of military service to our country,” Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “This event is a fitting capstone to a year of other special moments. As America celebrates its storied history, hosting this tribute to our Armed Forces and the veterans who have served our country and community is an honor and a privilege, and one we hope to share with thousands of our neighbors throughout this event from Oct. 2-4.”
The Traveling Vietnam Wall and “Cost of Freedom” tributes will arrive in Scranton on Thurs., Oct. 1. Starting at about 10 a.m., a convoy of Pennsylvania State Police and the Scranton Police Department will escort the display from PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, along Interstate 81 and the North Scranton Expressway, and finally up Mulberry Street to Nay Aug Park. A volunteer group of local veterans will help assemble the display in place near the new Nay Aug Park pool complex and multicourt facility on Thursday.
Public viewing hours begin Fri., Oct. 2 at approximately 12 p.m. In conjunction with First Friday Scranton, officials will hold an opening ceremony at Nay Aug Park beginning at 5:30 p.m. Viewing hours on Friday will end at sunset, approximately 6:30 p.m. Both the Traveling Vietnam Wall and “Cost of Freedom” tributes will remain on display with public viewing hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Sat. and Sun., Oct. 3 and 4.
The Traveling Vietnam Wall is an 80 percent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The “Cost of Freedom Tribute” includes panels memorializing those who have made the ultimate sacrifice from World War I through 9/11, the Gulf Wars, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Under Mayor Cognetti’s leadership, the city has awarded thousands of dollars in grant funding to veterans’ service organizations each year, including $200,000 total in 2025 and 2026. Agencies receiving grant funding contribute to the ongoing physical and mental health of local veterans.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020 and took her third Oath of Office in January 2026. Her administration is focused on public safety, fiscal discipline, driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Details Announced on Traveling Veterans’ tribute coming to Nay Aug Park Oct. 2-4 | Press Release
Last modified: September 25, 2026
