The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to American Canyon from Oct. 16-19, 2025. Open 24 hours a day and free to the public, the traveling exhibit honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War. It also bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
At the American Canyon City Council Meeting on April 15, the City Council created “The Wall That Heals Ad Hoc Committee” and appointed Mayor Pierre Washington and Councilmember Brandon Cruz to serve as committee members that will coordinate and oversee this initiative.
The 30th season of The Wall That Heals will begin on March 6, 2025, in Sebring, Florida, and visit 30 communities during the year. American Canyon, the sole location in Northern California, was one of three California cities selected from more than 100 communities nationwide who sought the opportunity to host The Wall That Heals in 2025.
“We are honored to welcome The Wall That Heals to American Canyon,” said Pierre Washington, Mayor and Jr. Vice Commander for the Napa/Vallejo Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1123. “This exhibit is a meaningful opportunity for our community to honor the courage and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and their families. Hosting The Wall That Heals reflects our deep respect for those who have served and provides an important chance to educate future generations about this pivotal chapter in our nation’s history.”
“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to American Canyon to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to experience The Wall,” said VVMF President and CEO Jim Knotts “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.”
American Canyon invites individuals and businesses to support this initiative through sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. We look forward to sharing additional details, including the exhibit’s location within American Canyon, opportunities for involvement and event updates. Stay informed by visiting AmericanCanyon.gov/
About The Wall that Heals
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 Wall and the divisive era in American history.
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 member’s names on The Wall.
The mobile Education Center exhibit includes: digital photo displays of “Hometown Heroes,” service members whose names are on The Wall that list their home of record within the area of a visit; digital photo displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program, which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died; video displays 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 chronological overview 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.
United Services Automobile Association (USAA) has returned as presenting sponsor for the national tour for the 11th year. Over the past decade, they have traveled to nearly 300 communities with VVMF. This year, VVMF also is pleased to announce a new sponsor for the 2025 season, Wipfli LLP. Headquartered in Milwaukee, WI,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.
Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in nearly 800 U.S. communities in addition to 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.
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.