Peoria is setting the stage for a profound tribute to the fallen. Next week, "The Wall That Heals," a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be on display at Pleasant Harbor, Lake Pleasant from April 11 through 14, as per an announcement by the city. Visitors will have the opportunity to confront the somber legacy of the Vietnam War, engaging with the names of the 58,281 service members who lost their lives, etched into the traveling wall.

The replica, stretching 375 feet and reaching a height of 7.5 feet at its apex, provides an accessible way for those unable to journey to the nation's capital to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices made. Pleasant Harbor invites the public to this free event, which is available for visitation around the clock, ensuring that the memorial can accommodate attendees at all hours. Local organizations, according to the city of Peoria's news release, can arrange for tours or volunteer opportunities by contacting the event line.

Accompanying "The Wall That Heals" is a mobile Education Center, focused on educating visitors about the Vietnam War era and providing context to the conflict that claimed so many lives. Through this initiative, the connection between past and present becomes more than a static retention of history; it is an active remembrance, a vigil held in the collective American consciousness.

Information on the event can be acquired through Pleasant Harbor’s event line (623) 203-5173, or by email at [email protected], for anyone wishing to visit or assist in honoring the memory of Vietnam veterans.