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Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica Wall and Mobile Education Center spreads the healing legacy of The Wall and educates about the impact of the Vietnam War
Manning, Iowa – The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to Manning, Iowa July 23 through July 26 at the Little League Football Field, just south of the City Park. It will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public. The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
“We couldn’t be more honored to be chosen to host such an impactful piece of history. Our committee represents people from many generations, many military backgrounds, and many talents. And we are excited to be able to bring this asset to Western Iowa,” said Jean Voege, co-chair of the committee who originally brought the idea forward.
“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Manning to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to experience The Wall,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. “Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America.”
The Wall That Heals is transported from community to community in a 53-foot trailer. When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center telling the story of the Vietnam War, the establishment of The Wall, and how The Memorial and Vietnam transformed the way our nation treats its veterans and service members.
The three-quarter scale Wall replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors will experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in Washington, D.C. Visitors are able to do name rubbings of individual service members’ names on The Wall.
The mobile Education Center exhibit includes two digital photo displays. The Hometown Heroes display highlights service members whose names are on The Wall that list their home of record within the area of a visit. The In Memory display highlights Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program, which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died.
Additional displays include videos that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; educational exhibits told through items representative of those left at The Wall in Washington, D.C.; a replica of the In Memory plaque; a map of Vietnam; and a timeline of the Vietnam War. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall, and the era surrounding the conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.
USAA has returned as the presenting sponsor for the 12th year. Over the past decade, they have traveled to more than 300 communities with VVMF. Wipfli is returning for the second year as a sponsor. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wipfli is an advisory and accounting firm with more than 3,300 associates who deliver digital, people, strategy, risk, financial, and outsourcing solutions to nearly 56,000 clients.
Through a partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the trucking industry, and Blue Beacon, the exhibit is able to travel across the country. Local sponsors and volunteers also play an important role in hosting The Wall That Heals, and the committee is seeking donations now.
To learn more about how to get involved with The Wall That Heals in Manning, please visit www.thewallthathealsmanning2026.com, email thewallthathealsmanning2026@manningia.com, or call City Hall at 712-655-2176.
Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in more than 800 U.S. communities, including an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces of Ireland and a visit to Canada in 2005. The Wall That Heals is a program of VVMF, the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1982.
The Wall That Heals is the only traveling exhibit affiliated with The Wall in Washington, D.C., and includes the largest Wall replica that travels the country. Two VVMF staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and students, and ensure the reflective atmosphere of The Wall. More information can be found at www.thewallthatheals.org.
The local committee invites people to be involved in the Manning visit and find out more about ways to donate, sponsor, or visit.
About VVMF
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families.
VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era through programs, ceremonies, and education materials. To learn more about VVMF, visit www.vvmf.org or call 202-393-0090.
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