The Wall That Heals Exhibit
As part of our 40th Anniversary Celebration, the University of South Carolina Upstate is making plans to bring The Wall That Heals, an exhibition featuring a 250-foot replica of the original Memorial in Washington, D.C., to campus. The wall will be on display April 17-20, 2008 and is open to the general public. See the schedule for dates and times of specific events.
The Wall That Heals travels across America addressing not only the loss but also the lives of more than 58,000 men and women whose names are inscribed on The Wall – our parents, children, neighbors and friends. In addition to the opportunity for America to honor its service members, The Wall That Heals allows those heroes enshrined on the Memorial to return symbolically to the places they called home, to exist among friends and family once more in the comfort and peace of familiar surroundings.
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 of the East Wall (right-hand side) working their way to the end of that wing, picking up again at the far end of the West Wall (left-hand side) and working their way back in to the center/apex. Thus, the beginning and ending of the conflict are joined at the center, signifying an epoch in American history.
Since its dedication, The Wall That Heals has visited more than 250 cities and towns throughout the nation, spreading the Memorial’s healing legacy to millions. In addition to its U.S. tour stops, the exhibition made its first-ever international journey in April 1999 to the Four Providences to Ireland. It has also traveled to Canada.
Established in 1979, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is the nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Today, through a series of outreach programs, the organization works to preserve the legacy of The Wall, to promote healing and to educate about the impact of the Vietnam War and is building the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground educational facility, near The Wall.
Thank you to the sponsors and supporters who have made it possible to bring this important exhibit to USC Upstate.
(Note: Because of the large crowd expected during this four-day event, overflow parking will be available in the Zings parking lot across Highway 176 from campus. Shuttles will run throughout the day between Zings and the Hodge parking lot adjacent to the Wall.)