The Wall That Heals pays a visit to Stockton

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The Wall That Heals, a 250-foot long mobile replica of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington D.C., will be on display at the Stockton High School football field in Stockton, Mo. through 4 p.m. Sunday.

“To bring the Wall is so important to us because so many vets haven’t been to D.C. to see it,” Stockton mayor Mary Norell said on Thursday.

To host The Wall That Heals, the community had to raise $7,500.

“We’ve raised way over that,” Norell said. She explained the remainder would be used to help built a veteran’s memorial in Stockton.

The Wall That Heals arrived Wednesday and was assembled with the help of the Stockton High School football team.

Norell said more than 125 volunteers will spend the weekend serving as guides and driving golf carts for disabled visitors.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, a memorial ceremony will be held featuring Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Parsons and a fly over by US Air Force A-10s.

The Wall That Heals is a program of Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund, the organization responsible for the construction of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington D.C., in 1982.

The Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial honors the more than three million Americans who served in Vietnam. Inscribed on the Wall are the names of more than 58,300 men and women who died as a result of the war in Vietnam.

According to Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund, almost six million people visit the Wall in Washington D.C. each year.

Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF, said on the VVMF website, “Taking The Wall That Heals on the road gives thousands more veterans and their family members an opportunity to see The Wall and honor those who have served and sacrificed so much. It helps veterans from all of America’s conflicts to find healing and a powerful connection through their common military experiences.”

The Wall That Heals has visited more than 500 U.S. communities, Ireland, and Canada. In 2016, it drew more than 200,000 visitors.

In addition to Stockton, The Wall That Heals will be in Warrensburg, from June 29 to July 2, 2017, Omaha, Neb. from Aug. 3-6, and Oklahoma City, Okla. Nov. 9-12.

The Wall That Heals is open round the clock and includes an educational exhibit on the Vietnam War. There is no admission charge.