The Vietnam Moving Wall Memorial has arrived in Wareham and will be open to the public 24 hours a day until Aug. 21 with ceremonies scheduled each day it is in town.

The scaled-down replica of the memorial in Washington, D.C. is 253 feet long and contains the names of those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Over 20,000 people are expected to visit the wall and drivers should expect traffic delays on Route 6 while it is in town.

On Aug. 17 at 7 p.m., the ceremony is dedicated to the Vietnam Veterans killed in action and Gold Star Families. The main speaker will be Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., commanding general of the Multi-National Force - Iraq.

On Aug. 18 at 7 p.m., the presentation will center on those missing in action and POWs. There will be a POW/MIA flag presentation by the Rolling Thunder organization.

A presentation of commemorative pins by the Vietnam War Commemoration Committee will take place Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. in a ceremony dedicated to all Vietnam veterans and their families.

On Aug. 20, a ceremony at noon will focus on active duty military and families. Another ceremony at 2 p.m. will be presented by the Wareham-New Bedford Massachusetts Lodge of Elks.

Finally, on Aug. 21 at 10 a.m., the closing ceremony will be dedicated to participating communities and organizations.

Running, eating and smoking are not permitted on the track. Parents should give children background on the Vietnam War before visiting, said Jean Sarnelli, president of Friends of Wareham Veterans Council. A respectful, somber atmosphere is encouraged.

There will be a welcome tent, a first aid tent, a support tent, an exhibit tent with artifacts donated by veterans and a names tent with information to locate particular names on the wall.

Volunteers will be available to help people find specific names on the wall, including the six names of those from Wareham.