KAPOLEI, Hawaii –
The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, also known as The Wall That Heals, arrived in Kapolei, Hawaii, 14 Jan., drawing service members, veterans, families, and community leaders together to honor those who served and those who never returned home.
The 3-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War and brings the names of the 58,281 men and women who fell during the conflict directly to communities across the nation, offering a place for reflection, remembrance, and healing.
An opening ceremony on Wednesday morning marked the official unveiling of the wall. Guests gathered early at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu. Speakers throughout the ceremony emphasized remembrance, service, and accountability. Kelly McKeague, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency director, reflected on the importance of honoring those who never came home.
“Just as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial itself has done since 1982, this model pointedly honors the dutiful service and supreme sacrifice of 58,281 of our fellow Americans," McKeague said.
Local residents were able to see the names of loved ones lost. Waiʻanae resident, Don Ford, a veteran of Vietnam and Desert Storm, highlighted the importance of bringing the wall to the island. “It’s great to bring it here. The ones that passed away can be home. It gives a great feeling, coming from the heart, that they shared this moment with the people of Hawaii.”
The ceremony concluded with a solemn rendition of Taps. The Wall That Heals’ organizers hope it will continue to serve as a place of honor, education, and healing for the community here and across the U.S.
The Vietnam War remains DPAA’s number one operational priority with currently 1,566 U.S. personnel who are unaccounted for.