Vietnam Memorial- The Wall That Heals visited Monticello, honoring the 58,281 names etched on its black granite

A replica of The Wall That Heals visited Monticello from Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23, at Pinewood Elementary on Broadway Street. The opening ceremony was held on Thursday morning. The original Wall That Heals is located in Washington D.C. and serves as a memorial to U.S. soldiers who died in the Vietnam War, or who are still missing in action.

The replica and Mobile Education Center travels across the United States to share information and promote healing and courage. The Wall is a three-quarter scale of the original. Angled-shaped walls contain more than 58,000 names, listed in chronological order by date of their death and begin and end at the origin point, or center of the memorial where the two walls meet. Having the names begin and end at the center is meant to form a circle - a completion to the war: 1958-1974.

The Wall That Heals has been displayed at nearly 700 communities across the United States since its dedication in 1996. While in Monticello, the exhibit was open 24 hours a day, and was free to the public. Guided tours were offered for visitors, who could also leave mementos or flowers in front of the wall.

The Mobile Education Center included a display of Monticello hometown heroes, a display of Monticello’s Vietnam Veterans, information about the Vietnam War, and more. Volunteers were also available to answer any questions and provide additional information to attendees.

For more information on The Wall That Heals, visit https://www.vvmf.org/The-Wall-That-Heals/.