Truckload Carriers Association and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Partner to Bring The Wall That Heals to Communities Across America
01/28/2015
Truckload carriers are proud to help transport this important piece of American history
Alexandria, Virginia:
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) are partnering to bring The Wall That Heals to communities across America. A 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces during the Vietnam War. It bears the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
“This partnership is a natural progression of the trucking industry’s commitment to honor our veterans and to promote education about the value of service,” said Brad Bentley, president of TCA. “It’s an opportunity for us to keep the logistics for a valuable project running smoothly by doing what we do best as an industry.”
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the most visited memorial in our Nation’s Capital, with more than four million visitors each year. However, many Americans have not been able to visit what has become known to many as “The Wall.” Bringing The Wall home to communities provides thousands of veterans who have been unable to cope with the prospect of facing The Wall to find the strength and courage to do so within their own communities.
Following a successful collaboration with Wreaths Across America, TCA is providing the opportunity for its member companies and professional truck drivers to continue a legacy of service, and drive the trailer hauling theexhibit, including The Wall replica and an accompanying, mobile education center.
“Partnering with TCA will enable us to continue our mission to honor and preserve the legacy of The Wall and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War,” said Jim Knotts, CEO of VVMF. “We are currently raising funds to upgrade the physical structure of The Wall That Heals, and this partnership helps immensely toward this goal.”
Since its debut in 1996, more than two million people have visited The Wall That Heals. It has made stops in nearly 400 U.S. communities as well as Ireland and Canada. When The Wall That Heals is visiting a community, it provides an educational experience for local schools and organizations on the history of the Vietnam era and The Wall. Visitors can view photos of service members whose names are found on The Wall, letters and memorabilia left¬ at The Wall in Washington, D.C., a map of Vietnam, and a chronological overview of the conflict. The exhibits are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.
For more information on The Wall That Heals, including the 2015 tour schedule, visit www.thewallthatheals.org. For information about the Truckload Carriers Association, follow its activities on Facebook—www.truckload.org/Facebook—Twitter—www.truckload.org/Twitter and by searching the hashtag #WallThatHeals on social media networks.
Click here to view a video of the Wall That Heals, and an escort comprised of 150 motorcycles, as it makes its journey to the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida on February 3. This was one of the first escorts in 2015.
Click here to view images from the events as carriers, schools transport the Wall That Heals, nationwide.