Let American Legion Post 159 adjutant Rick Johnson explain how important it will be to have The Wall That Heals make a stop in Belmont County later this year. The wall is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. Johnson is a Vietnam veteran who served in the Air Force.

“When I came home I got eggs thrown at me when we were on the bus transporting us down to the Los Angeles Airport. Tomatoes and eggs were thrown at the bus. We were called baby killers,” he said. “It’s heart wrenching, even for me today to have somebody walk up to me and thank me for my service, because for many years I didn’t care if anybody knew I was a veteran, and it’s great to be recognized.”

Johnson’s story about his return from the Vietnam War is not uncommon. World War II veterans were part of the “Greatest Generation.” Those who have served in the Middle East were given their due respect when they returned home. But Vietnam vets faced shunning and derision.

That’s what makes The Wall That Heals so crucial in telling the story of those veterans. The three-quarter scale wall replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7½ feet high. It allows those who may not be able to get to Washington D.C. the ability to get an up close and personal experience with the memorial.

And there’s more. 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 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.

The Wall That Heals will be available to see Oct. 1-4 at the Belmont County Fairgrounds in St. Clairsville. It will be free to the public and open 24 hours a day.

“We’re going to need a lot of community support, between volunteers, sponsorships, in kind donations and really just raising awareness,” Belmont County Tourism Executive Director Jackee Pugh said. “We want the community to be able to tell their neighbors about this amazing thing coming and spread the word the best that they can.”

Everyone who can get the word out should do their utmost to help. These Vietnam vets served their country with honor and bravery. They sacrificed much, some sacrificing everything, to do their part. They are owed this honor and Ohio Valley residents should pay their respects. They’ll have the chance to do so.