The Wall That Heals To Visit Johns Creek

JOHNS CREEK, GA -- The Wall That Heals, a 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will visit the city of Johns Creek later this year.

The wall, along with a mobile education center, will be at Newtown Park March 30 through April 2.

The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, and bears the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during the conflict.

Hosting The Wall That Heals provides a community with a multi-day experience of reflection that includes an educational experience for local schools and organizations on the history of the Vietnam era and The Wall.

The Wall recently made an appearance at Arnold Mill Elementary School in Woodstock.

“We are both very honored and excited about the opportunity to host The Wall That Heals in Johns Creek,” said Mayor Mike Bodker. “We will never be able to repay those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country; however, we can keep their memory alive and demonstrate our deep respect and gratitude by visiting the memorial, reflecting on the names listed on The Wall, and learning more about the Vietnam era.”

This is the first of only two stops in Georgia that The Wall will make in 2017, and it will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public. The second visit will take place in the middle Georgia town of Metter.

This special visit was made possible by the Knights of Columbus Assembly of St. Brigid Catholic Church, who originated the request on behalf of the city and the Johns Creek Veterans Association.

The Wall will be escorted into the city by the Patriot Guard Riders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring dignity and respect at memorial services honoring fallen military veterans and first responders.

The exhibit includes The Wall replica and a mobile education center that comprises digital displays of photos of service members whose names are on The Wall; letters and memorabilia left at The Wall by visitors; 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 place American experiences in Vietnam in an historical and cultural context.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the most visited memorials in our nation’s capital, with more than 5.6 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 provide all veterans, their family members, and the general public across America an opportunity to visit the memorial.

“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,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. “It helps veterans from all of America’s conflicts to find healing and a powerful connection through their common military experiences.”

More than 200,000 people visited The Wall That Heals in 2016. Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in nearly 500 U.S. communities, as well as internationally during an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces of Ireland, and a visit to Canada in 2005.

VVMF coordinates local stops of The Wall That Heals and the accompanying mobile Education Center. The current schedule and more information can be found at www.thewallthatheals.org.

Image via Patrick O'Neill