The rolling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica, The Wall That Heals, will make its final stop in Johns Creek, where it will reside permanently. The 250-foot replica last visited the city in March of 2017, the city’s warm welcome of the wall left an impact on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the organization that runs the Memorial wall program.
The Wall That Heals is a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It bears the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
“From being named a ‘Purple Heart City,’ to the many veterans activities that take place throughout the year, Johns Creek prides itself as a patriotic community that supports and honors our veterans.”
Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker
The recently retired wall replica was on the road for more than 10 years and visited more than 250 cities across the United States. When retiring a replica, the fund allows for communities to bid to be the permanent home. Johns Creek’s proposal to place the wall in its Veterans Memorial Walk included a full maintenance plan, and a monetary bid of $80,000.
“We looked at many factors when deciding what community would be awarded our retiring Wall replica and we couldn’t be more pleased to award The Wall That Heals to Johns Creek. We were warmly welcomed here during our 2017 visit and shown how much the community cares about our Vietnam veterans and their families. We know Johns Creek will give The Wall That Heals the proper respect it deserves.”
Jim Knotts, president and CEO of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
The bid for The Wall That Heals was made possible by the Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau, and through a donation from local residents John and Cori Davenport. The former city Councilwoman and her husband are also the largest donors to Johns Creek’s 4-acre Veterans Memorial Walk located in Newtown Park, which is one of the largest veterans’ memorials in the nation.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the most visited memorials in the nation’s capital, with more than 5.2 million visitors each year. However, many Americans have not been able to visit what has become known to many simply as “The Wall.”
