Delaware Tech welcomes The Wall That Heals
The Wall That Heals, a 250-foot replica of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. commemorating the over 58,000 lives lost in the war, was welcomed at Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus on Sept. 1.
Director of Military and Veteran’s Services for Delaware Tech, David Strawbridge said, the Wall is not only a symbol of remembrance, but a symbol of the gratitude owed to Vietnam veterans.
“The Wall keeps that legacy going. The remembrance and the ‘thank yous’ the US owes these veterans, it’s really a debt of gratitude,” Strawbridge said.
Strawbridge also said having the Wall on campus is important as it allows veterans to reflect in comfortable surroundings and with those they love.
“The Wall goes to the community so those Vietnam veterans can go…and take that step toward healing and remembering with the closest of their families, right there in their own community,” Strawbridge said.
The opening ceremony of the Wall featured keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Terry L. Wiley, Delaware National Guard, (retired). Wiley detailed his service in the Vietnam War and spoke of not only the Wall’s impact on him, but also the sacrifice given by those whose names are on the Wall.
“It helps me appreciate the fact that I’m here 50 years later to tell you of the legacy of my brothers and sisters who gave so much for our country and our freedom at a time in history where veterans were not so supported. Their sacrifice and that of their families should never be dismissed or taken for granted.”
The Wall was on campus for four days and was open to the public 24 hours a day. The Wall also featured a mobile education center that featured pictures of local soldiers killed in Vietnam, a timeline of the war, and artifacts and letters left at the original wall in Washington D.C.
Each Vietnam veteran who came to the mobile education center was given a 50th anniversary formal proclamation thanking them for their service and a pin reading “Vietnam Veteran.”
One Vietnam veteran, who wished to remain nameless, in attendance put the importance of the Wall succinctly; “It is something that will never be forgotten.”
The Wall That Heals displays the names of the over 58,000 soldiers killed during the Vietnam War. Photo: C. Chaney
Crowds braved the rain and wind to gather for the welcoming ceremony. Photo: C.Chaney