‘The Wall That Heals’ Visit to Blackfoot Postponed

BLACKFOOT — The Wall That Heals event that was originally scheduled to occur in Blackfoot, Idaho on Sept. 24-27 has been postponed. TWTH – Blackfoot is currently working with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in Washington, D.C. to reschedule a new date for 2021. The event would have brought the preeminent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the area for Vietnam veterans, family members and members of the public. 

TWTH does more than remember Americans that paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam conflict. It also helps the living heal by allowing them to commemorate our lost heroes within the familiarity and support of their local community. Unfortunately, many of the surviving family members and veterans that would benefit most from hosting TWTH in Blackfoot are also the most vulnerable amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

Bedford, PA recently moved forward with their TWTH visit after a long string of cancelations due to COVID-19. Their event gave TWTH – Blackfoot and VVMF an opportunity to better understand the challenges, accomplishments and touching stories that come with hosting TWTH during this difficult time.

According to VVMF Director of Outreach, Tim Tetz, “While we were setting up TWTH in Bedford, an older woman approached me asking how to find a name on The Wall. Vicky wanted to help bring panel 5W out of the trailer. Her little brother was on that panel, SSGT Roger Holler. She was too moved and physically unfit to do much in hauling the panel, but as we unloaded it, she touched his name and kept her fingers on it as we installed it in the frames. She was moved to tears (as we all were) and mentioned how many years it had been since she’d seen his name in Washington D.C. As much as I celebrate the opportunity we had to bring this healing to her, we could never forgive ourselves if she became sick because of it.” 

We owe it to our community to hold an event everyone can be a part of without undue risk. To learn more and stay up to date follow The Wall That Heals – Blackfoot on Facebook or visit blackfootwallthatheals.org.