CONWAY—The University of Central Arkansas will commemorate Veterans Day by hosting the Wall that Heals, a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Museum.
The opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 30 on the Old Main Lawn on the campus with special remarks by Brig. Gen. Keith Klemmer, deputy adjutant general for the Arkansas National Guard.
In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the Ida Waldran Auditorium.
The Wall that Heals is a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Museum that allows Americans the opportunity to honor those who served their country during the Vietnam War. This exhibition features a 250-foot replica of the original Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Wall that Heals will be on the lawn of McAlister Hall. Viewing of the Wall that Heals will begin immediately after the opening ceremony and conclude at 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 2. There is no charge for admission. The Wall that Heals is being sponsored by the Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Visitors to the Wall that Heals may park at the Soccer/Softball Complex and take the shuttle to Alumni Circle. The shuttle schedule is as follows:
• Thursday, October 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, October 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, November 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Many Arkansans may never travel to see the Wall in Washington D.C., so this may be the closest opportunity for them to view this historical monument. I am delighted that UCA and the Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau can provide this experience,” said Shaneil Ealy, co-chair of the UCA Veterans Day Committee.
Community volunteers are needed to assist visitors at the Wall. To volunteer with this effort, please visit uca.edu/outreach/wall.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the more than three million Americans who served with the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War. It is the most visited memorial in Washington, D.C., with over four million visitors each year. Its black granite walls bear the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
“In conjunction with our efforts to provide this opportunity for our community to view this amazing memorial, we are also excited to introduce the first UCA Veteran’s Scholarship. The generous donations from our sponsors allows us to award scholarships to our veteran students,” said Denicha Kemp, co-chair UCA Veterans Day Committee. Nabholz Construction, Acxiom Corporation, Crain Buick GMC of Conway, the UCA Faculty Senate, and the UCA Staff Senate provided donations to support UCA veterans’ scholarships.
Conway Mayor Tab Townsell and UCA President Tom Courtway will provide welcome remarks. Other local, state, and national officials may be in attendance at the opening, as well as members of the Board of Trustees. For more information, contact Shaneil Ealy, co-chair, UCA Veterans Day Committee at 501-450-5275 or sealy@uca.edu.
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