History is on the move, and it’s coming to Chester County this month. The Wall That Heals, a half-sized aluminum replica of Washington, D.C.’s most popular memorial, is set to be put on display for free in Downingtown’s East Brandywine Community Park July 28-31.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Chester County residents to experience the impact of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall close to home,” co-host and East Brandywine Township Parks & Recreation Committee Chair Sandy Lammey said. “The Wall is the most visited memorial in Washington, D.C., and bears the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.”

As part of its national tour, the portable 250-foot-long replica wall and its mobile education center will be open 24 hours a day after it is escorted on July 27 by police and motorcycles from Uwchlan Township and set up.

The traveling memorial will officially open with a 6:30 p.m. ceremony on July 28 and wrap up with a 4 p.m. closing ceremony on July 31. In between, special wreath laying honors by the Downingtown VFW at 11:30 a.m. on July 29 and by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 436 at 11 a.m. on July 30 will highlight The Wall That Heals’ local visit.

“It is a privilege to have been selected to host The Wall That Heals and to provide an opportunity for all residents — especially local veterans and their families — to see the memorial that honors the 3 million-plus Americans who served during the Vietnam War,” said Pastor of Outreach Ministries John Neider from co-host Hopewell United Methodist Church.

Read more local veterans coverage on VISTA Today here.