Over Memorial Day weekend, Pottawattamie County became a place of remembrance, reflection, and healing as The Wall That Heals visited Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs.
The traveling exhibit, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., welcomed visitors from across Iowa, Nebraska, and beyond. Open 24 hours a day from May 22-25, The Wall provided veterans, families, students, and community members the opportunity to honor those who served, remember those who never returned home, and learn about the lasting impact of the Vietnam War. The exhibit honors the more than 58,000 service members whose names are engraved on the memorial.
Over the course of the weekend, an estimated 10,000 visitors walked alongside The Wall, searched for names, left tributes, and shared stories of service and sacrifice. For many Vietnam veterans, the experience provided a long-awaited opportunity for recognition and welcome home.
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"The Wall That Heals brought together people of all ages and backgrounds to remember, learn, and connect," said Kate Gerber, promotions and outreach coordinator for The Wall That Heals Pottawattamie County Committee and public relations director for Pottawattamie County. "The impact on our community continues to be felt even after the exhibit has moved on."
From the moment the exhibit arrived until its departure on Memorial Day, The Wall That Heals left a lasting impression on the community.
The Wall arrived via motorcade escort
The experience began on Wednesday, May 20, as The Wall That Heals arrived in Pottawattamie County accompanied by a motorcade escort. Veterans, law enforcement officers, motorcycle groups, and community supporters helped welcome the exhibit through the county on to its temporary home at Lewis Central High School.
Following the escort, volunteers began the work of transforming an open space into a nationally recognized memorial site. Throughout the day on Thursday, May 21, dozens of volunteers worked alongside representatives from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to assemble The Wall and prepare the Mobile Education Center for visitors.
By evening, the memorial stood ready to welcome guests from across the region.
A weekend of remembrance
While already open to the public following set up, the exhibit officially opened with a Welcome Home Ceremony on Friday evening, honoring Vietnam veterans and recognizing the service and sacrifices made by those who answered the nation's call. Throughout the weekend, visitors participated in a series of ceremonies that highlighted both remembrance and healing.
Saturday's Quilts of Valor Ceremony recognized veterans through the presentation of handmade quilts as symbols of comfort, gratitude, and appreciation for military service to three deserving veterans.
On Sunday evening, community members gathered for the Light the Night for PTSD ceremony, which focused on raising awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder and supporting veterans and others impacted by trauma. The Wall was illuminated in teal, the color associated with PTSD awareness, creating a powerful visual reminder that healing continues long after military service ends.
The weekend concluded with a Memorial Day and Closing Ceremony, honoring those who gave their lives in service to the United States and recognizing the many individuals, organizations, and volunteers who made the event possible.
Each evening also included the playing of Taps by talented local musicians.
A community effort
Hosting The Wall That Heals required months of planning and an extraordinary commitment from community partners and volunteers.
More than 250 volunteers contributed their time throughout the event, assisting with setup and disassembly, staffing overnight shifts, helping visitors locate names on The Wall, supporting the Mobile Education Center, and ensuring a respectful and welcoming experience for guests around the clock.
The county extends its gratitude to Lewis Central Community School District, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, local veterans organizations, public safety agencies, community sponsors, county departments, and countless volunteers whose dedication made the event a success.
Leaving a lasting impact
While The Wall That Heals has moved on to continue its tour throughout the country, its impact remains in Pottawattamie County.
Throughout the weekend, visitors shared personal stories, honored family members and friends, and connected with generations of veterans whose experiences continue to shape our communities. For many, the exhibit served as both a history lesson and a reminder of the sacrifices made in defense of our nation.
Pottawattamie County is honored to have hosted The Wall That Heals over Memorial Day weekend and thanks everyone who attended, volunteered, and helped make this meaningful experience possible.
