The Wall That Heals, a mobile exhibit that includes a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be on display Jan. 14-19 at the Great Lawn of the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu in Kapolei.
According to the following press release issued by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) — the nonprofit organization that founded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C., in 1982. — The Wall That Heals exhibit includes a replica of The Wall along with a mobile Education Center:
The traveling exhibit honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
“After 30 years displaying in communities throughout the United States, few communities have worked as hard as Kapolei to host The Wall That Heals,” said Jim Knotts, President and CEO of VVMF. “Our events in Hilo and Maui were incredible and we’re excited to bring the exhibit to O‘ahu.”
Eddie Freeman, Vietnam veteran and co-chair of The Wall That Heals – O‘ahu noted that his experience working with The Wall that Healsdi installations on Hawai‘i Island and Maui “deepened my resolve to bring this powerful memorial to O‘ahu. The selection of Kapolei, Hawai‘i, by VVMF stands as one of the most significant events for the community in 2026.”
Sue Bauer, co-chair of The Wall That Heals – O‘ahu continued, “In February 2024, we knew we had to help bring The Wall to O‘ahu, home to many veterans and families that share in that sense of loss. Hawai‘i, a place where many service members and refugees began new chapters, has a special role in this history. Now is the time to honor and remember those lost in the war, after the war, and those who continue to share their stories. We strive to leave no one behind.”
“Our two events in Hawai‘i in 2024 were some of the most successful and rewarding in our 30-year history,” said Knotts, “Yet even while we were there, many contacted us inquiring why we hadn’t brought the exhibit to O‘ahu. Shortly after we returned, we began working with potential hosts in their efforts to bring us back.”
Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in nearly 800 U.S. communities in addition to an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces of Ireland and a visit to Canada in 2005. The Wall That Heals is a program of VVMF, the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 1982. The Wall That Heals is the only traveling exhibit affiliated with The Wall in Washington, D.C., and includes the largest Wall replica that travels the country. Two VVMF staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and students, and ensure the reflective atmosphere of The Wall.
After an escort and set-up, The Wall That Heals at UH West O‘ahu will be open for 24-hours each day until it’s dismantled and returned to the continental United States for the remainder of the 2026 season, which will begin in March and conclude in November.
This event is one of the “50 Acts of Pueo Pride” — events highlighted as part of the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu’s 50th anniversary in 2026.
The Wall That Heals events
Click here for events held in conjunction with The Wall That Heals exhibit. Among the events:
“Ah Quon McElrath: The Struggle Never Ends” screening, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16, at the ‘Ulu‘ulu film screening room, James & Abigail Campbell Library first floor, UH West O‘ahu. At this screening presented by the Center for Labor Education and Research (CLEAR), filmmakers Chris Conybeare and Joy Chong-Stannard will provide comments on this film’s connection to the Vietnam War, to today. CLEAR will present an historical exhibit that discusses what was happening to working class people in Hawai‘i, U.S., and Vietnam, leading up to the Vietnam War.
The CLEAR Digital Archivist, Ellen-Rae Cachola said, “CLEAR took up the opportunity to collaborate with UH West O‘ahu’s The Wall That Heals exhibit because of our extensive archival and library collection on Hawai‘i during the Cold War, particularly from the labor history perspective. I am interested to hear any dialogue that this event sparks because this historical period affected so many people in Hawai‘i and across the world.”
