The Wall That Heals
Great Bend is Proud to Host on May 11-14, 2023 the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica & Mobile Education Center.
May 10-14, 2023
The Wall That Heals will be available for viewing 24 hours a day starting Thursday, May 11 and closes at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 14.
Free Admission
Al Burns Field, Veterans Memorial Park
17th St. Terrace, Great Bend, KS
About The Wall That Heals...
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The Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The 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.
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Like the original Memorial, The Wall That Heals is erected in a chevron shape and visitors can do name rubbings of individual service members’ 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.
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As on The Wall in D.C., 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) work their way out to the end of that wing, pick up again at the far end of the West Wall (left-hand side) and work their way back into the center/apex, joining the beginning and end of the conflict at the center.
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Honor Their Sacrifice Through The "In Memory" Program...
Since the Vietnam War ended, thousands of Vietnam veterans have suffered each year due to Agent Orange exposure, PTSD/ suicide, cancer, and other causes related to their service. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s In Memory program honors those who returned March 29, 2023, is the National deadline for applications to be honored in the VVMF June 2023 In Memory ceremony in Washington D.C. Applicants after that date will be honored in the 2024 ceremony.
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TENTATIVE SCHEDULE...
To schedule an educational tour, contact David Meter at davidmeter2@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 9
The Wall That Heals arrives in Great Bend by a motorcade of 150-200 motorcycles escorting the semi-trailer into town around 2:30pm. The motorcade will be headed north on Main Street and proceeding west on 24th Street toward Al Burns Field at Veterans Memorial Park to make its final stop for the week. We ask everyone to join us on Main Street or 24th Street waving your flags and wearing red, white and blue to show your patriotism and give these Vet’s the Welcome Home they deserved when they returned home from the Vietnam War.
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Wednesday, May 10
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8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Construction of The Wall That Heals at Al Burns Field at Veteran Memorial Park, 17th St. Terrace.
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6 p.m.- Mandatory Volunteer’s Meeting at Al Burns Field
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Taps will be played daily at dusk.
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Thursday, May 11
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7:50 a.m. – Great Bend High School Marching Band Will Play.
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8:00 a.m. – Opening Ceremony with opening Prayer by Army Chaplain and remarks by Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Gold Star Families will be recognized and local families from Barton County that lost family members during the Vietnam War will be recognized. The Wall That Heals is officially open to the public 24 hours a day.
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Taps will be played at dusk daily.
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Friday, May 12
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The Wall That Heals is open to the public 24 hours.
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Taps will be played at dusk daily.
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Saturday, May 13
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The Wall That Heals is open to the public 24 hours.
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Taps will be played at dusk daily.
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Sunday, May 14
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1:45 p.m. - Closing Ceremony with opening remarks by Scott Donovan, a closing prayer by VFW Chaplain Bill Gale, the playing of Taps.
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2 p.m. The Wall That Heals is closed to the public.
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What To Know Before You Visit...
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The Wall and Mobile Education Center will be open 24 hours a day.
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Parking is free and located on-site. Handicap parking is also available.
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Visitors can view the exhibit at their own pace.
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Children are welcome.
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No dogs or pets are allowed except for service animals.
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There are NO concessions or souvenirs for purchase.
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Volunteer Opportunities...
Please use the button below to sign up for volunteer shifts. Volunteers are encouraged to attend a training on Wednesday, May 10 at 6 p.m. Below is a list of roles:
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Display Volunteers Wednesday, May 10 at 2 p.m. until Sunday, May 14 at 2 p.m. - 6 to 8 volunteers are needed for each shift. Tasks include assisting with parking and traffic control, greeting and directing visitors, assisting with name look ups, and Education Center assistance.
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There is no age restriction for volunteers, however, if under 18 a parent, guardian, coach, teacher, etc.
must be present during the shift.
Sign up to volunteer for our Great Bend Event:
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Special Thanks to our Sponsors
Special thanks to the Dorthy Morrison Foundation & The Great Bend Foundation for helping fund this wonderful opportunity to host in Great Bend!
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For more information on our event, we will keep the information up to date on our Facebook Page, however, if you prefer to make a personal call, you can contact the CVB at 620-793-2750 Or email CVB Staff Amanda at agaddis@greatbendks.net
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We hope you make plans to come to see this wonderful tribute to our Vietnam Heroes.
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