The wait is almost over. From March 14-17, The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, will make its first stop on its journey across the continental United States in Baldwin Park for the first time in City history.
Bringing The Wall That Heals to Baldwin Park has been years in the making. Over 100 communities across the U.S. apply each year in hopes of being selected for one of The Wall’s visits, which offers a chance to honor the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War. It bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
The City invites all of Los Angeles County to The Wall’s opening ceremony on Thursday, March 14, at 10 a.m. in the Cesar E. Chavez Amphitheater in Morgan Park (4100 Baldwin Park Blvd.). That evening, and every evening The Wall is in Baldwin Park, Taps will be performed at sunset by the Baldwin Park High School Band. The Wall That Heals will be open 24/7 and free to all visitors before closing Sunday at 2 p.m. and making its way to El Cajon, CA.
“Baldwin Park is incredibly honored to serve as the very first host site for The Wall That Heals in the continental U.S.,” said Baldwin Park Mayor Emmanuel J. Estrada. “Our City is a big believer in hosting events that nurture community. This is one of the most special events we have ever hosted, bringing people together from all over the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. The Wall will give us all a truly unique experience in honoring our local heroes who fought in Vietnam, to whom we are forever indebted.”
The Wall That Heals moves from community to community in a 53-foot trailer that transforms into a mobile education center, complete with exhibits that tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and a divisive era in American History.
No leg of The Wall’s trip will be more impressive than its journey through the San Gabriel Valley, which begins at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, from Veteran’s Freedom Park in Azusa through Covina, Irwindale and other parts of Los Angeles County before stopping in Baldwin Park. A fleet of motorcycles and patriotic vehicles, including members of the Freedom Riders and local public safety officials, will escort The Wall on its path. Local riders are welcome to meet at Azusa’s Veteran’s Freedom Park at 2 p.m. to join the caravan.
The City of Baldwin Park is seeking volunteers to help with The Wall set up, break down, visitor experience and more. It takes just two minutes to sign up at https://bit.ly/49I2zhM.
The Wall That Heals is a program of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (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.
“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Baldwin Park 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.”
Parking is available throughout Morgan Park, in nearby public lots on Laurens Avenue and Ramona Boulevard and in the parking structure at City Hall. Golf carts will be available to help transport those who require assistance to the exhibit.
For more information about The Wall That Heals’ stop in Baldwin Park, please visit https://BaldwinPark.com/