Former Pittsburgh Steeler star running back and Vietnam veteran, Robert Patrick “Rocky” Bleier, will be the featured speaker at the opening ceremony for The Moving Wall to be displayed in Ellwood City’s Ewing Park from August 18 to 22, 2022. The ceremony, scheduled for 6:30 P.M. on August 18 at the Folino Shelter, is open to the public. Visitation of the Wall will begin after the Ceremony. The Moving Wall will be accessible continuously until the closing Ceremony on Sunday August 21, 2022 at 6:30 P.M.
The Moving Wall is a one-half scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. It was previously in Ellwood City in July of 2009. It provides the community with a dignified and respectful way to recognize the men and women who served during the Vietnam Era and particularly to honor those who laid the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of freedom. There are 168 names of young men from Beaver, Butler, Mercer, and Lawrence Counties who were either killed or missing in action that are inscribed on the Wall. As a wounded veteran of that conflict, Rocky Bleier is actively involved in honoring those who sacrificed in Vietnam.
Former Pittsburgh Steeler star running back and Vietnam veteran, Robert Patrick “Rocky” Bleier
After his 1968 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rocky was drafted into the U.S. Army. He volunteered for duty in Vietnam and shipped out in May 1969, serving with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Rocky received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for action on August 20, as a Specialist 4 on patrol in Heip Duc when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy and he was wounded in the left thigh by small arms fire. While down, an enemy grenade blew up through his right foot and lower right leg. Doctors told him that he would not play football again.
One year after he was wounded, Rocky reported to Steelers training camp even though he could not walk without pain and weighed only 180 pounds. He spent two full years trying to regain a spot on the active roster. He never gave up, and said that he worked hard so that “some time in the future he didn’t have to ask himself ‘what if?'”. By 1972, he made the team and by 1974, he was in the Steelers’ starting lineup. Rocky retired after the 1980 season with 3,865 rushing yards, 136 receptions for 1,294 yards, and 25 touchdowns. At the time of his retirement, he was the Steelers fourth all-time leading rusher.
A notable author and motivational speaker, Rocky is currently the managing member of Rocky Bleier Construction Group. As a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned general contracting company, they specialize in the construction, renovation and expansion of healthcare facilities and commercial properties.
Rocky was a friend and inspiration to my brother Chuck, during their time together at Notre Dame up until his death in 2015.
As a decorated Vietnam Veteran, I can think of no one more worthy to be the speaker at the Moving Wall.
God bless you Rocky.