Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall Coming To North Shore

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The stirring memorial exhibit honoring those killed in the Vietnam War is coming to the North Shore next month.

The Wall That Heals, a moving replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.. will be on display at the Lowlands Athletic Field on Nahant Road in Nahant July 15-18.

The wall stretches 375 feet and stands 7 1/2 feet high. The memorial and information tent are open 24 hours a day while guarded and illuminated. The memorial includes the 58,000 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

The display will open at midnight Thursday, July 15 before being moved Sunday, July 18 at 2 p.m.

"The Nahant American Legion is honored to have been chosen as one of only two New England locations to host The Wall That Heals this summer," said Post 215 Commander Bob Fields.

"Like many events and activities in our nation, the 2020 The Wall That Heals season was dramatically changed by the pandemic. We are excited to find these communities ready to work carefully to give a safe opportunity for thousands to experience the healing and educational aspects of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 2021," said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. "We look forward to providing these communities with the opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America."

The wall is meant to recognize all 3 million veterans of the controversial war where many of the veterans never received the "hero's welcome home" that veterans of previous wars enjoyed. It is designed to honor those who served a half-century ago, as well as educate a new generation about Vietnam and its impact.

The Wall That Heals is provided by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the non-profit organization that founded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. with donations from the public to help host in Nahant.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)