American Legion Post 372, of Cherry Hill, NJ, brings “The Wall That Heals” to our community from April 16th-19th, 2009. This will coincide with our annual 911 Remembrance & Patriotic Gratitude, in which all the cherry trees on Chapel avenue are adorned with flags and yellow ribbons, paying homage to all the 911 victims and our fighting men and women. Stay tuned for more details by visiting our website at www.alch372.com, emailing Sue at squinn9807@aol.com, flyers in the canteen or by calling the Post.
The Wall That Heals exhibition features a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., a Museum and an Information Center. Since its dedication in 1996, the traveling exhibit has visited more than 300 communities throughout the nation
"Bringing The Wall Home" to communities throughout our country allows the souls enshrined on the Memorial to exist, once more, among family and friends in the peace and comfort of familiar surroundings. 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 Wall That Heals Traveling Museum and Information Center provides a comprehensive educational component to enrich and complete visitors' experiences. The Museum chronicles the Vietnam War era and the unique healing power of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, while the Information Center serves as a venue for people to learn about friends and loved ones lost in the war.
Like the original Wall, the replica 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.
As on The Wall in Washington, D.C., the names are listed alphabetically by date of casualty on The Wall That Heals. Beginning at the center, the names start on the East Wall (right-hand side) working their way out 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. Thus, the beginning and ending of the conflict are joined at the center.
The replica is constructed of powder-coated aluminum, supported by an aluminum frame, and is made up of 24 individual panels, each containing six columns of names. The panels join together to form the nearly 250 feet wide structure. Each of the replica's two wings is approximately 123-feet long and meets at an angle of 121 degrees, rising to a height of approximately five feet at their apex. Each name is laser-etched into the black reflective panels
A database of names and their precise arrangement on The Wall had to be created to engrave the panels. The database was then linked to a computer-operated laser system developed solely for the purpose of engraving The Wall That Heals. The system etched image areas of a specific size, requiring remarkably precise calibration across a wide field to match partially formed letters and lines.
The Wall That Heals is transported from community to community by a 73-foot semitruck and trailer which converts to a museum.
When emptied, the 53-foot trailer that carries The Wall That Heals exhibition from town-to-town becomes a mobile museum. The exterior sides of the trailer open to reveal information cases displaying memorabilia, which tells the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict, as well as the computer name locator.
The Museum also includes a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the continuing conflict in Vietnam spanning several thousands of years. The Museum helps many visitors, particularly students, put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context
A 20-foot x 20-foot white canvas tent is attached to the trailer and serves as an Information Center where visitors can find names, either in a Directory of Names or by asking one of the volunteers working the computers. A variety of other useful materials, such as a book about MIAs, is also available to assist visitors in their search.
Entries in the printed directory are in alphabetical order, making it easy to locate a specific name. Each entry is followed by a Panel and Line # to show where the name can be found on The Wall. The tent is lighted for nighttime use.