The Wall That Heals (TWTH), a mobile exhibit that features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to make a stop at Lake Pleasant in Peoria March 14-17.
The replica is 375 feet in length, stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point, and bears the names of more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Similar to the original shrine, the names on TWTH are listed by day of casualty, and visitors can do name rubbings of individual service member’s names.
TWTH was unveiled in Washington, D.C on Veterans Day 1996 by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF). It was designed to travel to communities throughout the United States. It has been displayed at nearly 600 communities throughout the nation, spreading the Memorial’s healing legacy to millions.
Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF said, “We hope it provides an opportunity for healing and an educational experience for the whole community on the impact of the Vietnam War on America.”
The exhibit will also showcase a mobile Education Center featuring a variety of different displays including: In Memory Honor Roll , a map of Vietnam, a display of items representative of those left at The Wall in Washington, D.C. in remembrance of those on The Wall, Hometown Heroes, Digital kiosk to search for names along with paper directories and The Gold Star Bike.
The exhibit is free to the public, and will be open 24 hours a day, with a special honoring ceremony 10 a.m., Saturday, March 16. Tours and groups, including area schools are welcome and encouraged to attend.
