The Wall That Heals provides 'an opportunity for closure' for Vietnam veterans, families
Kenneth Westgate came to trace his cousin's name. And to heal.
The Navy veteran and Purple Heart recipient from Kalamazoo was among hundreds attending Thursday's opening ceremony for The Wall That Heals, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Replica and Mobile Education Center on the campus of Harper Creek Community Schools in Emmett Township.
Westgate traced the name of his cousin, Army specialist Denis Mattheis of Iowa, who was killed in action during a tour in Vietnam in 1967.
"My cousin was killed two or three months after I was wounded," Westgate said before pausing emotionally. "When I think back when we got home, how terrible it was. '68 was a bad year. And all these people that didn't (make it back), it's terrible."
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Frank J. Walker served as the master of ceremonies, emphasizing in his remarks to the crowd the meaning of the traveling program of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
"The Wall That Heals will afford us all the opportunity to reflect and show our respect for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms," Walker said. "But more importantly, for some of our veterans and their families, it will be an opportunity for closure. Reflecting in the comfort of their community, among their family and friends; a vital step in the healing process."
A three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., The Wall That Heals was started in 1996 by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, and last visited the Battle Creek area in 2012.
The synthetic granite replica has 140 numbered panels supported by an aluminum frame, and features machine engraving of more than 58,000 names, along with LED lighting to provide 24-hour readability. Using a 53-foot tractor-trailer, the mobile exhibit converts into a education center at each stop, showcasing letters and memorabilia left at the original wall on the National Mall in Washington.
The Calhoun County Red, White and Blue Foundation is hosting the traveling exhibit, with some 150 volunteers helping set up the wall. It is open to the public 24 hours a day and parking is free. Taps will be played each evening at 9 p.m. through Saturday.
Group tours are available for organizations and retirement homes, with registration through redwhitebluefoundation.com. Refreshments and services are available 24 hours a day through The American Legion Post 257, located at 7475 B Drive N (across the street from the wall). The Battle Creek VA Hospital trailer will also be at American Legion Post 257.
The opening ceremony began with a flyover by the Hooligans Flight Team and featured remarks from Walker, Emmett Township Supervisor Deb Belles and Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke. There were performances from the Cereal City Concert Band, with Jessica Gray of the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center singing the National Anthem.
Former U.S. Congressman, Battle Creek mayor and Navy veteran Dr. Joe Schwarz delivered the keynote address, recalling his longtime friendship with late Sen. John McCain and describing some of his experiences serving in southeast Asia before returning to Battle Creek.
"Like most of the Vietnam veterans here, we weren't welcomed home with a great deal of enthusiasm when our tours were over," Schwarz said to fellow veterans in the crowd. "Nevertheless, I have never doubted, nor do I believe any of you doubt, that you did the right thing, you served your country when you were asked to serve your country, and you did it honorably. And you returned home honorably, picked up your civilian life here, and in some cases, 50 years later, you can say you served honorably, you are proud that you did and glad that you did."
Contact reporter Nick Buckley at nbuckley@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0652. Follow him on Twitter:@NickJBuckley
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Wall That Heals 'an opportunity for closure' for Vietnam vets, families
