The Wall That Heals, a stunning three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial accompanied by a mobile Education Center, is set to visit Kissimmee, Florida, from March 13 to March 16, 2025. Hosted at the Kissimmee Executive Airport, the exhibit will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public, offering a powerful opportunity for reflection and learning.
This meaningful tribute honors the more than three million Americans who served in the Vietnam War and commemorates the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Visitors can experience the solemn beauty of The Wall That Heals while gaining deeper insight into the legacy of those who served through its accompanying educational displays.
“The City of Kissimmee has a deep appreciation for our nation’s veterans, and we are honored to serve as the host city for The Wall That Heals at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport,” stated Jackie Espinosa, Mayor of Kissimmee. “With our city’s central location and rich history, we are uniquely positioned to provide a meaningful setting for this tribute. Our residents will have the chance to reflect, remember, and educate themselves about the sacrifices made by our Vietnam veterans and their families. It is a privilege to share this experience with our community.”
“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Kissimmee, Florida to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to experience The Wall,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. “Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America.”
The Wall That Heals is transported from community to community in a 53-foot trailer. When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center telling the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the divisive era in American history.
The three-quarter scale Wall replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors will experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex,
a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C. Visitors are able to do name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall.
The mobile Education Center exhibit includes: digital photo displays of “Hometown Heroes” – service members whose names are on The Wall that list their home of record within the area of a visit; digital photo displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died; video displays 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 chronological overview 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.
USAA has returned as presenting sponsor for the national tour for the 11th year. Over the past decade, they have traveled to nearly 300 communities with VVMF. This year, VVMF also is pleased to announce a new sponsor for the 2025 season, Wipfli LLP. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wipfli is an advisory and accounting firm with more than 3,300 associates who deliver digital, people, strategy, risk, financial and outsourcing solutions to nearly 56,000 clients.
Through a partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the trucking industry, and Blue Beacon, the exhibit is able to travel across the country. We will are looking for local sponsors in addition to the City of Kissimmee and the American Legion Post 10.
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.
