“Vietnam veterans faced disrespect and ridicule upon their return from the war. It's time to rewrite that chapter with Operation Welcome Home. Our community proudly stands together, determined to honor our veterans with open hearts. The Wall That Heals War Memorial event is a healing and heartfelt welcome awaiting our courageous heroes," said Heidi Melton, director of media and communications for The Wall That Heals Middletown.
The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with a mobile Education Center, is arriving in Middletown, Ind., from Aug. 24-27, 2023. This event, held at Dietrich Park (135 S 5th St., Middletown, IN 47356), will pay tribute to the over 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War.
The memorial is housed in a 53-foot trailer that transforms into a mobile Education Center. Within this center, visitors will find digital photo displays honoring service members and local Vietnam veterans through VVMF's In Memory program. Educational video displays, historical artifacts and a chronological overview of the war provide a comprehensive understanding of the Vietnam War era.
As visitors approach the three-quarter scale Wall replica, spanning 375 feet in length and standing 7.5 feet tall at its highest point, they will experience the magnitude of The Wall in Washington, D.C. A unique feature allows visitors to create name rubbings, paying homage to individual service members and preserving their memory.
The Wall That Heals has touched the lives of communities across the United States, with over 700 displays to date. This national tour, generously sponsored by USAA, is made possible through partnerships with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the trucking industry and Blue Beacon. Local Middletown sponsors, including Legacy Homecare, Ballard & Sons Funeral Home, and Sam Pierce Chevrolet have also contributed to the success of the event.
Mark your calendars for the August event at Dietrich Park. The Wall That Heals offers a remarkable opportunity to honor Vietnam veterans, educate visitors about the impact of the war, and ensure that the sacrifices made by these courageous individuals are never forgotten.
For more information about Operation Welcome Home event, please visit the event Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OperationWelcomeHomeMiddletown.
