In mid-November, Rutherford County will host The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The official host site is Isothermal Community College at the soccer fields on Piney Ridge Road, across from the REaCH campus. The Wall will be accompanied by a Mobile Education Center that shares the history of the Vietnam War, tells stories behind the names on The Wall, and helps preserve the legacy and memorabilia connected to those who served in Vietnam, said Lisa Barrett, Director and Co-Chair of The Wall That Heals, Rutherford County.
Lisa says the wall provides an opportunity to honor all Rutherford County Vietnam heroes whose names are forever etched in the panels. Others will be recognized through the Memory Program – honoring those who served in Vietnam, returned home and later passed away.
The exhibit will be open 24 hours each day from November 12-November 15, closing at 2 pm on Sunday,
Although the event is eight months away, The Wall That Heals, requires the commitment of a volunteer-driven group of community people who have a deep belief in their souls that our veterans should never be forgotten. Scores of volunteers from across Rutherford County and surrounding areas will be needed as well as sponsorships and funding.
Across Rutherford County are veterans, families, business owners, and community leaders who are deeply grateful for those who served, especially those serving in Vietnam.
There are many people who have never or might not ever have the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. to stand before the memorial and because of that, The Wall That Heals, will be here. It is an opportunity and a privilege to have it come to our county.
On the wall are 10 Rutherford County Hometown Heroes whose names are etched on the panels.
I have been to the Memorial Wall in DC on several occasions and standing before thousands of names etched in the panels because they died in the Vietnam War is something I’ve never forgotten. I was there with dozens of Vietnam veterans on a Blue Ridge Honor Flight a couple years ago. Witnessing the veterans as they stood, many at attention, many wiping tears and others standing somber, is a scene I haven’t forgotten.
An uncle served tours in Vietnam and although he never talked about it, we knew he was greatly affected and witnessed things he never forgot.
Isothermal Community College is a vital partner in The Wall That Heals making it possible for Rutherford County to serve as the only stop in North Carolina during the national tour. The stop in November will close out the national tour.
As our nation approaches America 250, ICC’s commitment ensures this historic exhibit will be presented with dignity, accessibility, and powerful educational impact, said Lisa Barrett. With the partners working together, a place where remembrance, gratitude and healing exist is created.
The Fiscal Sponsor is Veterans Foundation of North Carolina.
Lisa is reaching out to churches, businesses, individuals and any groups that might want to help sponsor or provide volunteers.
- Assisting with volunteer roles during the event
- Help with set up (must know this in advance as this opportunity is not open to the public)
- Assist looking up names (2 seated positions each shift)
- Assist visitors to The Wall
- Assist with name rubbings
- Assist with parking, including shuttle from ICC to The Wall
- Each shift is between 3-4 hours.
Churches and businesses may also be a sponsor and have the opportunity to underwrite specifics such as wreaths, memorial flowers, or special rubbing pencils
- Assist with the printing of informational and outreach materials
- Support awareness efforts for the In Memory program
- Share awareness of The Wall That Heals through your association, and community outreach
Every name on the wall has a story and every story matters. There will be numerous ways to help fund the project to say thanks for what our brave men and women did for us in Vietnam. Visit these sites to learn more ways you can help:
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, The Wall That Heals and In Memory Program.
Their Stories Live On. Their Service Never Forgotten.
During the next months we’ll continue to remind you of this historic event, ways you can help and we’ll share stories from some of our Vietnam Veterans and their families.
Jean Gordon is an award-winning journalist and spent nearly 50 years covering Rutherford County at two newspapers.
