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Replica of Vietnam Wall visits North Platte
While the Vietnam war ended nearly 30 years ago, the painful memory of it still affects millions of people.
A memorial has been erected in Washington D.C. to honor those who gave their lives during the controversial war. For those unable to travel half-way across the country to view "The Wall That Heals," a replica of the national monument will be on display in North Platte through Sunday.
The traveling exhibit allows the many thousands of veterans who have been unable to cope with the prospect of "facing The Wall" to find the strength and courage to do so within their own communities, thus allowing the healing process to begin.
The exhibition features a 250-foot replica of the original memorial in the nation's capital. The Wall That Heals exhibition features a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Like the original Wall, it is erected in a chevron-shape and complete with the more than 58,000 names of those killed or missing in action from the conflict. When new names are added to the Memorial in Washington, D.C., The Wall That Heals is updated as soon as possible.
The names on The Wall That Heals replicate the names on The Wall in Washington D.C. As on The Wall, the names are listed alphabetically by day of casualty. Beginning at the center/apex, the names start on the East Wall working their way out to the end of that wing, picking up again at the far end of the West Wall and working their way back in to the center/apex. Thus, the beginning and ending of the conflict are joined at the center.
The wall's arrival in North Platte is in conjunction with the 18th annual Nebraska Vietnam Veteran's Reunion.
The reunion opened with registration Thursday. Friday's activities include registration at 8 a.m., a golf tournament, several workshops and evening entertainment by Chance & The French Connection beginning at 9 p.m.
Registration will reopen Saturday and workshops will again be offered. Entertainment will begin at 8 p.m., with the group One More Time.
Sunday's activiities include a survivor's breakfast at the Quality Inn at 8 a.m. and closing ceremonies at 9 a.m.