Vietnam Veterans Memorial ‘Wall That Heals’ Will Be in West Dundee Over July 4 Weekend
The Wall That Heals — the traveling, three-quarters-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. — will be in Kane County for the Fourth of July weekend.
Brought here through the efforts of the Carpentersville/Dundee American Legion Post 679 and True Patriots Care, the exhibit is coming to Randall Oaks Park in West Dundee and will be free to the public and open 24 hours a day from July 4 through July 7.
A full schedule is available online at www.wallthathealsdundee.com.
“VVMF is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to West Dundee to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to visit The Wall and honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. “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 Wall That Heals honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces in the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the most visited memorials in our nation’s capital, with more than 5.3 million visitors each year. However, many Americans have not been able to visit what has become known to many as “The Wall.”
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the organization that built The Wall in 1982, wants to give all veterans and their family members across America an opportunity to see the Memorial.
Nearly 400,000 people visited an all-new The Wall That Heals exhibit in 2018. Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in more than 500 U.S. communities in addition to an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces of Ireland and a visit to Canada in 2005.
Hosting The Wall That Heals provides a community with a multi-day experience that includes an educational experience for local schools and organizations on the history of the Vietnam era and The Wall.
“Since its dedication, The Wall That Heals has been displayed at nearly 600 communities throughout the nation, spreading the Memorial’s healing legacy to millions,” the Vietnam Veterans Memorial website says.
About The Wall That Heals
The Wall That Heals replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C.
Like the original Memorial, The Wall That Heals is erected in a chevron-shape and visitors can do name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall.
The replica is constructed of Avonite, a synthetic granite, and its 140 numbered panels are supported by an aluminum frame. Machine engraving of the more than 58,000 names along with modern LED lighting provide readability of The Wall day and night.
As on The Wall, the names on The Wall That Heals are listed by day of casualty. Beginning at the center/apex, the names start on the East Wall (right-hand side) working their way out to the end of that wing, picking up again at the far end of the West Wall (left-hand side) and working their way back in to the center/apex, joining the beginning and end of the conflict at the center.
About The Vietnam Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a symbol of America’s honor and recognition of the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War.
The Memorial is dedicated to honor the “courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty and country” of all who answered the call to serve during the most divisive war in U.S. history.
VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF works to honor, preserve, and educate to ensure that current and future generations never forget the service and sacrifice of those who came before them.
Search The Wall
Want to find the name of someone on The Wall That Heals?
Schedule Of Events
- Host: American Legion Post # 679
-
Location: Randall Oaks Park, 750 Randall Road, West Dundee, IL 60118
- Click here for the event Facebook page.
Tuesday, July 2
Escort meetup location: Woodstock Harley Davidson, 2235 South Eastwood Dr., Woodstock
- 3 p.m. — Meetup for riders
- 3:40 p.m. — Ride briefing
- 3:50 p.m. — KSU – start
- 5 p.m. — The Wall That Heals arrives at Randall Oaks Park
Wednesday, July 3
- 8:30 a.m. — Volunteers begin setting up The Wall That Heals
- 6 p.m. — Volunteer Training
Thursday, July 4
- Site open 24 hours for visitors
- 2 p.m. — Opening Ceremony
Friday, July 5
- Site open 24 hours for visitors
Saturday, July 6
- Site open 24 hours for visitors
- 7 p.m. — Candle light Vigil
Sunday, July 7
- The Wall open for visitors until 3 p.m.
- 2 p.m. — Closing Ceremony
- 3 p.m. — The Wall That Heals closes
- 3 p.m. — Break down The Wall
