As Pottawattamie County prepares to host The Wall That Heals over Memorial Day weekend, community members are invited to participate in a series of ceremonies and special events honoring Vietnam veterans, remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and reflecting on the lasting impact of military service.
The Wall That Heals, a traveling three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the more than 58,000 service members who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. The exhibit provides veterans, families, and communities an opportunity for remembrance, reflection, healing, and education closer to home.
Following its arrival in Pottawattamie County on May 20 and setup on May 21, The Wall That Heals will officially open to the public on Friday, May 22, and remain open 24 hours a day through Memorial Day, closing Monday, May 25 at 2 p.m.
People are also reading…
Throughout the weekend, ceremonies at The Wall That Heals will provide opportunities for visitors to honor veterans, hear personal stories of service and sacrifice, and come together as a community in remembrance and gratitude.
Friday, May 22
Welcome Home Ceremony at 5 p.m.
The weekend’s ceremonies will begin Friday evening with the Welcome Home Ceremony, which serves as both the official opening ceremony for The Wall That Heals and an opportunity to recognize Vietnam veterans who, in many cases, did not receive the welcome home they deserved upon returning from war.
The ceremony will include remarks from veterans and community leaders, patriotic tributes, the presentation of colors by the Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard, and musical performances honoring those who served. Taps will be played at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 23
Quilts of Valor Ceremony at 10 a.m.
On Saturday morning, the Quilts of Valor Ceremony will recognize several veterans through the presentation of handmade quilts created as symbols of comfort, healing, and appreciation for military service.
Hosted in partnership with the Iowa Quilts of Valor Foundation, the ceremony highlights the organization’s mission to honor veterans and service members touched by war through the healing power of quilts and community connection. The day’s ceremonies will conclude at 8:30 p.m. with a special rendition of Taps.
Sunday, May 24
Light the Night for PTSD at 8:30 p.m.
Sunday evening’s Light the Night for PTSD ceremony will focus on raising awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder and supporting veterans and others impacted by trauma.
The event will include educational remarks from mental health professionals, moments of reflection, a candlelight tribute, and the lighting of The Wall That Heals in teal, the color associated with PTSD awareness. Organizers hope the ceremony will encourage conversation, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and remind those struggling that support is available. The evening concludes with playing of Taps.
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day and closing ceremony at 1:15 p.m.
The weekend will conclude Monday afternoon with a Memorial Day and closing ceremony honoring the meaning of Memorial Day and recognizing the many individuals, organizations, volunteers, and community partners who helped bring The Wall That Heals to Pottawattamie County.
The ceremony will feature remarks from local veterans and organizers, musical tributes, and moments of remembrance before The Wall That Heals departs for its next host community.
Event information
All ceremonies and exhibit activities will take place at:
Lewis Central High School
3504 Harry Langdon Blvd
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be available during all ceremonies.
Additional information about exhibit hours, volunteer opportunities, ceremonies, and event updates is available at https://pottia.gov/TWTH
