Veterans, families, friends and the general public have several options to see Vietnam memorial walls in 2020 with the release of traveling wall schedules.
Before visiting one of the traveling walls, a doctor from the National Center for PTSD said Veterans with PTSD should consider their expectations for the visit and how the visit fits into their recovery goals.
“Think through, ‘What do I hope to get out of this?” said Dr. Sonya Norman, director of the center’s PTSD Consultation Program. “Know what you expect so you’re not disappointed or overwhelmed. That can help the visit be a rich and meaningful experience.”
Norman said how the visit may impact someone’s PTSD is varied and complex, so there is no one way to approach it. She added that, even though people with PTSD share common symptoms, people have different experiences and feelings regarding their trauma. Getting an evidence based treatment for PTSD helps Veterans in recovery.
Below are the different options.
The Wall That Heals
The Wall That Heals is operated by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, who unveiled the replica on Veterans Day 1996. Since then, more than 600 communities have seen the traveling display.
The Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards its apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C.
The 53-foot trailer that carries The Wall That Heals transforms to become a mobile Education Center. The exterior of the trailer features a timeline of “The War and The Wall” and provides additional information about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
VVMF’s 2020 schedule starts in Florida on Feb. 20 and includes stops in more than 20 states.
More information on its schedule is at https://www.vvmf.org/The-Wall-That-Heals/2020-Tour-Schedule/.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute
American Veterans Traveling Tribute shows an 80% replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. It measures 360 feet long by eight feet high at the apex. Displays also fly flags over the wall.
These events start March 4 in Arizona and include 15 different states. More information on their schedule is at https://www.americanVeteranstravelingtribute.com/schedule.
AV Wall
The Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall has two events planned for 2020. Volunteers run the organization. Its schedule is:
March 26-30 at Bucklin Park, 1350 S 8th St, El Centro, CA 92243
50th Commemoration Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin Presentation Ceremony on 3/29/19
Nov. 6-12 at Sun Valley Community Church, 6101 S River Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283
The organization keeps up-to-date information on its website at www.avwall.org and on their Facebook page.
The Moving Wall
The Moving Wall is a half-size replica, touring since 1984. Two replicas now travel the U.S. from April-November, spending about a week at each site.
The schedule for The Moving Wall is not yet out, but is located at http://www.themovingwall.org/current_schedule.html.
Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale that stands six feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end. Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard, located in Brevard County, Florida, manages the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall.
Its schedule should be released soon. It will be located at http://www.travelingwall.us/schedule_of_appearances.htm.
Vet Centers
Outreach specialists and counselors will be on hand at many locations to meet with Veterans and families wanting to learn more about how Vet Centers aid in the readjustment of a Veteran or service member after deployment or trauma. Vietnam Veterans originally established Vet Centers and still hold true to keeping that promise today.
Vietnam War Commemoration
Many sites will also hold Vietnam War Commemoration events. To find an event, go to https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/events/. To learn about the lapel pin ceremonies, see https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/67922/vietnam-Veterans-families-honored-thanked-program/.
Washington, D.C.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., is the most well-known of the memorials. Set on two acres on the National Mall, the public may visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 24 hours a day. Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily and to provide interpretive programs throughout the day and upon request.
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