RUMFORD – Twenty-nine soldiers from Oxford County were killed during the Vietnam War. Nearly 20 more died as a direct or indirect result of the unpopular conflict.

Now, more than 30 years later, those soldiers will be honored with a monument in Veterans Park.

Scott May of Mexico, president of the Oxford County United Bikers of Maine chapter, is spearheading a $6,000 fundraising effort to purchase a granite monument that will resemble a smaller version of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. May is being assisted by Rumford resident Len Greaney, who led a successful fund drive last year for a memorial to honor local service people who are buried in distant places. That memorial is also at Veterans Park.

The dedication of the Vietnam monument has been set for May 19, which is Armed Forces Day. Already, Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine, and Maine Army National Guard Gen. William Libby have agreed to attend. May believes Gov. John Baldacci and Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins may also appear.

May said this will be the first memorial dedicated exclusively to honoring Vietnam War veterans in the state.

Along with political dignitaries, May said a motorcycle roar-in of 300 bikes will travel through Mexico and Rumford before stopping at Veterans Park. Other parts of the ceremony are expected to include a flyover by a flight squadron in missing man formation, bagpipers, a Marine platoon from Topsham, and local high school bands.

May estimated that about 2,500 people will attend the ceremony.

May said Rumford was chosen as the site of the monument because 14 of the 29 soldiers killed in Vietnam from Oxford County were from Rumford or Mexico.

Selectmen on Thursday unanimously gave their approval for traffic control and shutting down Congress Street on the day of the memorial’s dedication.

“This town would be honored. I support it wholeheartedly,” Selectman Greg Buccina said.

May said a major fundraising drive is expected to start soon.