Episode 3077 – The Wall That Heals is Coming to Emporia, KS

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Richelle Birk, Clay Childs (middle), and Ed Rathke are the three main organizers of the The Wall That Heals appearance in Emporia.[Amanda Davis/Gazette]

The Wall That Heals Transporter

Episode 3077 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the appearance of The Wall That Heals in Emporia, KS. The featured story appeared in the Emporia Gazette and was titled: The Wall That Heals rolls into Emporia next week. The story was submitted by [Amanda Davis amanda@emporia.com].

Davis reported that The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, opens in Emporia next week. The traveling exhibit, operated by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, provides a realistic and educational Vietnam Wall viewing experience that can be seen from anywhere in the country.

The effort to bring The Wall That Heals to Emporia has been nearly a year-long affair. Ed Rathke, Clay Childs, and Richelle Birk have spent hours planning the experience. For Rathke in particular, planning the exhibit educated him on aspects of Vietnam that were unfamiliar. Although the event focuses on the Vietnam War, Rathke wants every veteran to feel seen with the exhibit.

A nearly two mile long escort – made up of up to 120 motorcycles and 50 cars – will welcome the exhibit into Emporia the morning of August 12. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Emporia Fire Department, and Coffey County Sheriff’s Office will also join the procession.

Birk plans to station herself to be able to assist anyone who experiences vehicle malfunctions. According to Childs, the best way that people can support the procession is to watch.

The Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C.

Listen to Episode 3077 and discover more about the appearance of the Wall That Heals in Emporia, KS.