During late summer, a three-quarter scale replication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. will be displayed at Father Sheehan Park in Butte for five days.
The travel-size replica is 7-and-a-half feet tall and stretches 375 feet, the length of a football field with an extra 25 yards.
The Wall That Heals is constructed of Avonite, a synthetic granite, and bears the engraved names of 58,281 Americans who perished in the war, including 267 from Montana.
Since its debut in 1996, the replica Wall has been showcased in over 700 communities across the country. Butte is one of 33 locations in the U.S. hosting it this year, holding a unique regional distinction from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1.
Marine Sgt. Michael Taapken of Butte mentioned in a recent letter to Butte-Silver Bow commissioners that “Southwest Montana, specifically Butte, will be the only city within an eight-state area – the only place in the northwestern part of the United States – to host this extraordinary exhibit.”
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The Wall and the Memorial serve as a tribute to all 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Among those remembered, 21 were from Butte, one from Melrose, six from Anaconda, and two others from Powell County.
This event in southwest Montana provides an opportunity to express a welcome back to veterans and educate the public on the Vietnam conflict, as per Taapken’s letter.
Butte will be the sole host in the Northwest this year, with hopes of attracting visitors from various states to pay their respects to the Wall.
Once the Wall arrives in Butte on August 27, an escort of about 300 motorcycle riders will accompany it through Uptown to Father Sheehan Park.
Assembly of the Wall begins on Aug. 28 at 8 a.m., with tours commencing from Aug. 29 onwards. The Wall will be open 24 hours a day until the closing ceremony on Sunday.
Organizers have noted the importance of volunteers in the process, with around 200 individuals already offering their assistance in various roles.
From Aug. 28 onwards, visitors are encouraged to visit the Wall at any time, with special features and information available to explore.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, responsible for the Memorial in D.C., has additional information on both the Memorial and The Wall That Heals on their website.
Efforts to bring the Wall to Butte began in March 2023, with extensive planning leading to Butte being selected in November.
For those interested in volunteering or making donations, contact the provided phone number or email.
Mike Smith is a reporter at the Montana Standard with an emphasis on government and politics.
