The Wall That Heals Impacted our Community

Author: SLO Veterans Services Office
Date: 5/15/2018 8:34 AM

More than 12,000 men, women, and children experienced the healing legacy of The Wall That Heals in San Luis Obispo.

---

The memorial exhibit, known as The Wall That Heals, bearing the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, returned to San Luis Obispo for the first time in 21 years for four days in March.

The County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office hosted The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, in San Luis Obispo from March 29 to April 1 at the Madonna Meadows.

“There was such tremendous support,” said Veterans Service Officer Christopher Lopez. “We are so grateful to the community of San Luis Obispo for coming together to help ensure that our county had the opportunity to experience the healing legacy of The Wall That Heals. It was amazing to see Vietnam veterans and their families, school children and boy scouts, and the many others in attendance that have served or have a connection to someone who has served. Everyone was there to come together at one event to honor our fellow countrymen that gave their lives in Vietnam and are immortalized on that memorial.”

More than 12,000 men, women, and children experienced the healing legacy of The Wall That Heals in San Luis Obispo. This was only possible through the collaborative efforts of more than forty County departments, community organizations, private citizens, and local businesses, many of whom donated needed goods and services. More than 100 residents of San Luis Obispo County volunteered to assist attendees with questions, name rubbings, and emotional support.

The Wall That Heals was provided by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the non-profit organization that founded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office applied to host The Wall That Heals in May 2017 and was one of 38 applicants approved to host the exhibit from a pool of over 100 nation-wide applications.

For more information about this event, visit the Veterans Services webpage under Department News.