From July 24-27, the Jefferson Barracks Historic Site, 345 North Drive, welcomed a new piece of history to its grounds: The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Guests wandered along the long black wall, reading the names of the fallen and sharing memories of those who served in the Vietnam War.
The memorial honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the war, bearing the names of the 58,281 men and women who died in the conflict.
The public opening and ceremony was held on July 24 from 10 – 11 a.m., and “Taps” was played that night at sunset. County councilman Mike Archer — a veteran, himself — spoke and shared stories of friends who passed during military service. A wreath was laid at the apex of the wall.
The closing ceremony was held at 2 p.m. on July 27, and a final performance of “Taps” played before disassembly began.
The Wall That Heals was free to the public and open for 24 hours a day.
The Wall That Heals travels from city to city in a 53-foot trailer. The memorial replica is 375 feet in length and 7.5 feet high at its tallest point, and visitors are able to do rubbings of individuals’ names from the wall. Since its debut in 1996, the mobile display has been to nearly 800 U.S. communities.
In addition to the wall, there was a “Mobile Educational Center,” featuring a photo exhibit called Hometown Heroes, which displays images of service members who listed St. Louis as their home of record. There was also an educational video about the history of The Wall, a showcase of items left at the memorial in Washington, D.C. — objects such as baseball gloves, prosthetic legs and letters — a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the conflict.
“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the St. Louis County Parks and Recreation Department, this exhibit offers a moment of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our nation’s service members,” said county executive Sam Page.
