The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with its Mobile Education Center, is coming to American Canyon from Oct. 16-19 at Independence Park. 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 and bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
American Canyon was one of three California cities, and the only location in Northern California, selected from more than 100 communities nationwide who sought the opportunity to host The Wall That Heals in 2025.
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 Brando Cruz.
“We are honored to welcome The Wall That Heals to Northern California in our beautiful city of American Canyon,” said Pierre Washington, American Canyon Mayor and Jr. Vice Commander for the Napa/Vallejo Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1123. “This exhibit is a powerful opportunity for our region to come together and honor the courage and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and their families. As a veteran myself, hosting The Wall That Heals in the place I proudly call home is something I’ll never forget. It reflects our community’s deep respect for those who served and gives future generations an important chance to learn from this pivotal chapter in our nation’s history.”
Visiting The Wall That Heals
All are welcome to visit American Canyon to view and engage with The Wall That Heals and the Mobile Education Center. This free exhibit will be open 24 hours from Oct. 16-19 (closing at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19) at Independence Park (20 Benton Way, American Canyon, CA 94503).
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities at The Wall That Heals exhibit are open for people ages 14+. Volunteers are needed to:
- Assist with setup and takedown of the exhibit (requires heavy lifting)
- Welcome and direct visitors at the Visitor Tent
- Assist guests at The Wall and Mobile Education Center
- Provide parking assistance
All volunteers must attend the Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. View volunteer opportunities and sign up with the City of American Canyon.
Ceremony Schedule
Several special ceremonies will be held throughout the exhibit’s stay in American Canyon, which are open to all visitors:
- Oct. 14 at 12:30 p.m. – Welcome Home Parade
- Join us as we welcome The Wall That Heals into American Canyon with a special Welcome Home Parade.
- Along American Canyon Road, Elliott Road, ending at Independence Park.
- Line the streets and show your support as we honor and celebrate our Vietnam Veterans with the Welcome Home they deserve.
- Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. – Welcome Home Ceremony
- Finally and officially welcome Vietnam Veterans home 50 years after the war and honor Bay Area Hometown Heroes.
- Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. – In Memory Ceremony
- In tandem with the “In Memory” program, this ceremony preserves the legacies of those we’ve lost. During the ceremony, The Wall That Heals will be lit TEAL for PTSD awareness.
- Keynote Speaker, Congressman Mike Thompson
- Oct. 19 at 1:30 p.m. – Closing Ceremony
- A final community gathering and recognitions before The Wall That Heals departs for its next location.
Community members are encouraged to take part in both the ceremonies and volunteer opportunities to help make this a meaningful and memorable event.
Stay informed by visiting AmericanCanyon.gov/
About The Wall That Heals
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.