The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, has arrived in Manning, Iowa, providing a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. The traveling exhibit, operated by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, is on display at the IKM-Manning High School football field until Sunday at 2 p.m.
A Place for Healing and Remembrance
For Army veteran Calvin Stammer, visiting the memorial is a bittersweet experience. Stammer served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969 and has lost many friends during the war. Despite the pain of remembering, he believes that the memorial is an essential part of the healing process.
The Wall That Heals bears the names of 58,281 U.S. service members who died during the Vietnam War, including eight women who served as nurses. The memorial also includes a mobile education center featuring photographs, historical displays, and information about those whose names appear on the memorial.
A Community Comes Together
The exhibit’s opening ceremony drew hundreds of people, including veterans, families, and community members. The event included the presentation of colors, the laying of wreaths, and a welcome-home ceremony honoring Vietnam veterans. The memorial will remain in Manning until Sunday before traveling to its next Iowa stop in Brooklyn.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
