Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica Wall and Mobile Education Center spreads healing legacy of The Wall and educates about the impact of the Vietnam War
The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to Methuen, MA on September 27 – October 2, 2022, at PFC Richard E. Potter Field on Pelham St. and will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public beginning Wednesday, September 28 at 2:00 PM and ending Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 PM. The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces in the Vietnam War and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
“We are honored to host The Wall That Heals here in Methuen. Not only does The Wall That Heals honor those who served in Southeast Asia during the war but also it symbolizes our respect for all those veterans in Methuen who served in uniform while affording residents from all walks of life, especially our young people, the opportunity to see in person this truly inspiring display,” said Neil Perry, Mayor of Methuen.
“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Methuen to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to experience The Wall,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. “Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America.”
“Nothing is more important to VVMF than the health and well-being of our Vietnam veterans and their families. We will work closely with the host to provide the best visitor experience while keeping the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors at top of mind,” said Knotts.
The Wall That Heals is transported from community to community in a 53-foot trailer. When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center telling the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the divisive era in American history.
The three-quarter scale Wall replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors will experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C. Visitors are able to do name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall.
The mobile Education Center exhibit includes: digital photo displays of “Hometown Heroes” – service members whose names are on The Wall that list their home of record within the area of a visit; digital photo displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died as a result of their service; video displays that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; educational exhibits told through items representative of those left at The Wall in D.C.; a replica of the In Memory plaque; a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.
“A big part of our success in bringing this great exhibit to Methuen will be participation of volunteers throughout the community,” added Paul Jensen, Methuen Director of Veterans Services. “We will need volunteers to set up and take down The Wall as well as man it 24-hr a day during its stay. We will solicit volunteers later as the date approaches but right now we are looking for a Volunteer Coordinator and a Promotion Coordinator. If you have experience in either of these areas or would like to be on the organizing committee, please contact me at City Hall.”
About VVMF
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era through programs, ceremonies and education materials. To learn more about VVMF, visit www.vvmf.org or call 202-393-0090.