Photos courtesy of city of Peoria
In a powerful tribute to the men and women who served in the Vietnam War, “The Wall That Heals,” a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will be displayed at Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant from April 11 to 14. This profound exhibit is open to the public 24 hours a day.
“The Wall That Heals” exhibit includes not only the replica wall but also a mobile Education Center that provides additional context and commemorates the more than 58,000 lives lost during the Vietnam War. With the wall extending 375 feet in length and reaching heights of 7.5 feet at its tallest point, visitors are invited to experience the somber beauty of the memorial as they walk towards its apex, mirroring the design of the original memorial in Washington, D.C.
A notable feature of the exhibit is the ability for visitors to do name rubbings of individual service member’s names, a personal act of remembrance and connection. Constructed of Avonite, a synthetic granite, the replica’s 140 numbered panels are supported by an aluminum frame, ensuring the names are clearly visible day and night thanks to modern LED lighting.
“The Wall That Heals” is displayed in a chevron shape, and the names are listed by the day of casualty, starting from the center apex. This arrangement reflects the original memorial’s design, symbolizing the timeline of the war from its beginning to its end.
This year, Peoria is honored to be the sole stop in the entire state for “The Wall That Heals,” recognizing the significance of this memorial not only to veterans and their families but to the community as a whole. Only 30 cities are chosen each year to host the exhibit, highlighting the importance of this event for Peoria and its residents.
A motorcycle escort on April 9 will precede the exhibit’s opening, marking the arrival of “The Wall That Heals” to Pleasant Harbor. The exhibit will close at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 14.
For those interested in volunteering, arranging tours, or learning more about “The Wall That Heals,” contact the Pleasant Harbor event line at 623-203-5173. For more information, visit pleasantharbor.com/event/the-wall-that-heals.
