The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to Athens Nov. 6-9, 2025, at Beasley Field on the campus of Athens State University — and will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public.

The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in Vietnam.

“Athens State University is grateful to have been chosen as one of 31 sites for the 2025 The Wall That Heals Tour,” Dr. Keith Ferguson, vice president for University Advancement, said. “Through a partnership with the city of Athens, the Limestone County Commission, the Limestone County Legislative Delegation and the Alabama Veterans Museum, we are able to make this a reality for all of the Tennessee Valley and beyond. We look forward to working with the VVMF as we create an experience that honors all of our service members.”

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 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Athens to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to experience The Wall,” Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF, said. “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 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.

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.

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 is also 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, the trucking industry and Blue Beacon, the exhibit is able to travel across the country. Athens State is currently in the process of soliciting local sponsorships to offset costs of the exhibit and will release a list as commitments are confirmed.

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.