Evansville welcomed the Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, on Saturday morning. The 53‑foot trailer was escorted from United Steelworkers Local 104 in Newburgh to the University of Southern Indiana’s softball field at the Broadway Recreational Complex, accompanied by a procession of motorcycles and first‑responder vehicles.
Honoring families and veterans
For many families, the escort was a moving tribute. Sharon Wagner‑Hocker, whose brother Richmond Wagner never returned from Vietnam, said the procession reminded her of the community’s commitment to honor every veteran. “I want to welcome every Vietnam veteran home, not just a thank you, but welcome home,” Wagner‑Hocker said.
The Wall That Heals displays more than 58,000 names of those who served and did not return. It is a three‑quarter‑scale replica of the Washington, D.C., memorial, allowing families across the tri‑state area to see the names of their loved ones up close.
Public access and participation
The exhibit opens Thursday, Oct. 29, and will remain on site until 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. It is open 24 hours a day and free to the public. Visitors can walk the length of the wall, read the names, and leave flowers or notes of remembrance.
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, families are invited to help build the memorial. Starting at 8 a.m., volunteers will assist relatives in carrying their loved one’s panel from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund truck to its final location on the field. This hands‑on activity offers a personal way for families to connect with the memorial and each other.
Community support
Rolling Thunder, the organization behind the traveling exhibit, said the motorcycle and first‑responder escort was intended to make the arrival unforgettable and to highlight the community’s respect for those who served. Local first responders participated as a sign of solidarity, reinforcing the strong ties between veterans, their families, and emergency‑service personnel.
Evansville officials and local businesses have expressed enthusiasm for the event, noting its potential to draw visitors and raise awareness of the sacrifices made by Vietnam‑era service members. The exhibit provides an educational opportunity for students, veterans, and anyone interested in learning more about this pivotal period in American history.
Plan your visit
The Wall That Heals will be located at the University of Southern Indiana’s softball field, accessible via Broadway Avenue. Parking is available in the university’s lot, and the site is open around the clock. No tickets are required.
For families wishing to participate in the panel‑carrying activity, volunteers will be on hand to assist with logistics and to ensure a respectful, orderly process. Those interested should arrive early, as space may be limited.
Evansville residents are encouraged to share the news with friends and neighbors, especially those with ties to the Vietnam War. The Wall That Heals offers a unique chance for the community to come together, remember, and honor the brave men and women who gave so much for our nation.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
