Preparations are underway for Butte to host The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., in late summer.
The first step, organizers emphasize, is to spread the word about the upcoming visit.
“I am personally reaching out to each and every one of you to share information about The Wall That Heals, and I encourage you to ask others to do the same,” said Marine Sgt. Michael Taapken. “Butte, Montana is the only location in the entire Northwestern United States that will host The Wall this year.”
Taapken made these remarks to around 60 individuals at the Butte Depot during a news conference where the visit was formally announced, as first reported by The Montana Standard in May.
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The replica stands at 7 1/2 feet in height at its tallest point and spans 375 feet in length. Similar to the Vietnam Memorial, it bears the names of 58,281 Americans who lost their lives in the war. Among them are 267 individuals from Montana.
Out of these, 21 were from Butte, one was from Melrose, six were from Anaconda, and two were from Powell County.
Since its unveiling in 1996, The Wall has been exhibited in over 700 communities, and Butte is one of 33 locations in the U.S. hosting it this year.
The semi-truck transporting the Wall’s panels and other components is scheduled to arrive in Butte on August 27, accompanied by about 300 motorcycle riders who will escort it on a procession through Uptown and back down to Father Sheehan Park.
An army of volunteers will assist in assembling it starting at 8 a.m. on August 28, a Wednesday, and the public can view it from that day through Sunday, September 1, at all hours.
J.P. Gallagher, the Chief Executive of Butte-Silver Bow, was present at the news conference at the Depot where he acknowledged that Thursday marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when the U.S. and other allied forces invaded Normandy during World War II.
“It seems fitting today … that we are honoring veterans from the Vietnam War while also recognizing the sacrifices made by individuals throughout our history in military service,” stated Gallagher, a former member of the U.S. Navy.
Taapken played a key role in securing and planning the visit, but there are numerous others involved in the efforts. Several individuals were present at Thursday’s news conference, including members of the Southwest Montana United Veterans Council Color Guard.
Gallagher expressed gratitude to all involved.
“When the Wall comes to Butte, it will be a solemn occasion but also an opportunity to celebrate those who have sacrificed for our country and have given us the freedoms that we cherish every single day,” he added.
Ed Baker, a Vietnam veteran from Butte who attended the event, shared that he had visited the Vietnam Memorial three times and is pleased that its sister replica is coming to Butte.
“I hope many people show up to see it and understand its significance,” Baker remarked after the news conference ended. “A significant number of Americans died for our country, and nowadays, I’m not sure if their sacrifices are truly appreciated.”
Mike Smith is a reporter at the Montana Standard with a focus on government and politics.
