By 1808Delaware
This September, Delaware County will host The Wall That Heals, a poignant three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The 375-foot-long structure, with a 7.5-foot-high apex, is inscribed with the names of 58,281 U.S. Armed Forces members who perished in the Vietnam War. It will be displayed at Liberty Township’s Havener Park from September 12 until 2:00 PM on September 15, 2024. This stop marks the only visit to Ohio for the traveling memorial this year.
A Tribute to Sacrifice
The Wall That Heals provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the solemnity and reverence of the original Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The traveling wall offers an accessible way for individuals to honor those who sacrificed their lives, especially for those who cannot visit the permanent memorial in Washington, D.C. Visitors are encouraged to make rubbings of names from the wall, a practice that connects them tangibly to the history and memory of the fallen soldiers.
About the Traveling Memorial
The Wall That Heals debuted in 1996 and has since visited more than 700 communities across the United States, Canada, and Ireland. This program, organized by the nonprofit Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), aims to spread awareness and educate the public about the Vietnam War and the memorial’s significance. The Delaware County Veterans Service Office, in collaboration with the Liberty Township Parks Department, is hosting the event.
Accompanying the wall is a 53-foot trailer that converts into a Mobile Education Center. This center features photo displays and educational exhibits that delve into the history of the Vietnam War, the creation of the memorial, and the cultural context of the era. These exhibits provide an immersive experience, offering insights and personal stories that deepen the understanding of the war’s impact on soldiers and their families.
Location and Visiting Hours
Havener Park, located at 4085 Liberty Road, Delaware, will serve as the site for this significant event. The memorial will be open to the public, free of charge, for over 90 continuous hours. This extended access ensures that everyone in the community has the opportunity to pay their respects and learn more about this pivotal period in American history.
Designer of the Original Wall
The original Vietnam Veterans Memorial was designed by Maya Lin, an architecture student at Yale University, and was completed in 1982. Lin, a native of Athens, Ohio, created a design that has become a national symbol of honor and reflection. The Wall That Heals brings her vision to communities nationwide, fostering a sense of unity and remembrance.
How to Learn More
For more details about The Wall That Heals’ upcoming visit to Delaware County, please visit The Wall That Heals Ohio. To learn more about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and its mission, visit VVMF.
The Wall That Heals is more than a traveling exhibit; it is a moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in Vietnam. It serves as a beacon of healing, education, and remembrance for communities across the country.
