To say the American Veterans Traveling Tribute makes a lasting impression would be an understatement.

To give an accurate count of the number of people who made the trek to see the AVTT Traveling Wall, an 80 percent scale model replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., during its recent stop at the Swinomish Casino in Anacortes, would be difficult.

“We don’t have an actual count of the people who came to visit the memorial, but there was a steady stream of people from the opening ceremonies through today,” said casino marketing coordinator Justin Shank during Sunday’s closing ceremony. “A lot of them were here very late.”

The traveling tribute, which also included several Cost of Freedom memorials and exhibits, was set up in the east end of the casino parking lot and was open for continuous viewing following the opening ceremony on Aug. 25 through noon on Sunday.

“I’m overwhelmed to see the support and the number of people here today,” said casino general manager Mike Wootan during the opening program. “It hit me as I was looking at the wall that I know 10 or 12 people on this wall.”

The opening ceremony included a joint Marine Corps and Navy Color Guard and the laying of Prisoner of War and American Gold Star Mothers’ wreaths, which were placed next to a field cross at the center of the wall.

Because the tribute was on casino property, members of the Swinomish tribe added to the experience by performing a sacred blessing of the wall. Swinomish tribe member Andy James walked the length of the wall, using a feather to send billows of sage smoke over each panel of the wall.

“One of the things about our people is that we have a strong connection with both the living and those who have passed on,” explained Ray Mitchell, an Army veteran and the vice chairman of the Swinomish Veterans group.

“The blessing is part of our tradition,” he continued. “In the process of cleansing the wall of the sorrow and pain with the smoke, we’re removing that, so it will not move on or affect those coming to see the wall now.”

In many ways, Mitchell said, visiting the wall is cathartic for veterans, especially for those who didn’t receive a warm welcome home.

“It’s giving due to those of our Vietnam veterans who never received their due,” he said. “You need to reflect on past experiences.”

Visiting the wall was a very personal experience for many who walked past its 58,272 engraved names. Keith Mihills of Anacortes was a sonar technician in the Navy from 1965 to 1968. As he spoke about why he came to see the wall, his chin quivered and his eyes welled up as he fought back tears.

“I just feel horrible for coming home,” he said. “I lost a lot of close friends. Every time the traveling memorial is anywhere in the state I’ll go see it again.”

“This is a great thing,” agreed Mihills’ wife, Cindy. “It’s wonderful they bring it around the country so we can see it.”

“Thank you for coming here to show honor and respect to the wall,” said Mel Sheldon, chairman of the Tulalip tribe. “It brings people together.”

Sheldon said there is a rich legacy of volunteering for military service among Native Americans, and he told the crowd gathered for the opening the Wall was a good reason to come together.

“It’s an honor to be with you. It’s an honor to come together and remember all our veterans,” he said.

Before the closing ceremony Sunday afternoon, members of motorcycle groups from around the area participated in a Ride of Honor, riding the length of the wall, stopping in the center to salute Swinomish Tribal Veteran members Phil Dan and Chester Cayou, Jr.

“This is the only ride of honor that takes place in the country,” said Charlie Weatherby, with AVTT. “So you are part of something very special.”

Thomas and Ann Marie Catoire, members of Oak Harbor’s Whitehead-Muzzall Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, took part in the ride of honor.

“It’s a well honored tradition,” said Thomas. “To me, we should remember. Maybe we won’t repeat it.”

Part of the closing ceremony included a warrior song in honor of all the veterans present and another blessing of the wall.

“There were a lot of tears and sorrow while the Wall was here,” said Swinomish Casino marketing director Jumada Schwinden. “That has been lifted, so when the Wall travels on, the tears and sorrow won’t travel with it.”

Schwinden said the casino is planning to host the traveling tribute again next year.

Following the blessing, the colors were retired as “Taps” was played. A three-volley gun salute followed.

“It’s very emotional,” Mitchell said of the memorial. “But as we say, it’s good medicine. It’s very healing.”