In Remembrance of all veterans; who served this nation, who gave their lives as a sacrifice for our freedom, or who continue to serve this country, we dedicate this article to them and invite all citizens to join in a celebration of our veterans by visiting The Wall That Heals in Blackfoot during its visit this September.
Every year thousands of veterans make the journey to Washington, D.C., in order to see for themselves the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, but there are thousands more veterans who are unable to see this remarkable memorial. For that purpose, The Wall That Heals, a travelling three-quarter replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. travels across America to allow veterans the experience of remembering their brothers and friends, whom they served with during the Vietnam War.
The Wall That Heals got its name because of the individual healing process that takes place as veterans visit the wall. Veterans who have been able to travel to Washington, D.C. and experience the Memorial for themselves remark how similar healing experiences have been had as The Wall That Heals travels across America.
When Cindy Reese and her husband first met Fred Saunders, a Vietnam veteran, they were visiting the local Service Members Memorial in Bingham County. During that visit Cindy and her husband began to talk with Fred. In an interview Cindy recounted the special experience they had at the memorial.Fred said, “‘See this guy right here?’ Cindy replied, ‘Yes’, watching as Fred continued to touch the name that was on the wall. ‘This guy is from Aberdeen’, he said, ‘This was my friend and he died in my arms.’”
Of the experience Cindy said, “We can’t imagine that, we can’t feel that. To have somebody see this little tiny thing that we have in Bingham county and have it mean so much and be so powerful for him…He stood there and cried for half an hour. I thought, could you imagine how many veterans we have in our communities that can’t travel, that can’t do this and touch or feel those names and put some of this to bed?”
For a lot of these veterans and individuals they never got to say goodbye to their friends, brothers, or family who served in the Vietnam War. By having a memorial dedicated to those lost and fallen soldiers, it allows those who survived to have closure on the situations that they had, as well as say goodbye to those they lost. These soldiers went through a lot of tough and heart-breaking situations together, and the power of this wall supplies a way for these soldiers to overcome their traumas and broken hearts.
Most veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or trauma from their experiences during war. As civilians we will never be able to understand the pain and suffering that accompanies those who survive and return home. For our veterans to have a place in which they can commune with other veterans, and speak to others who know and understand the struggles of a veteran’s life, brings healing and empowerment to a community of broken hearted individuals. The Wall That Heals brings many different types of healing to all veterans and allows civilians an opportunity to understand a small glimpse of what our veterans feel.
Not long after their initial meeting, Fred had reached out to the Reese’s for help to raise $10,000, so that The Wall That Heals could come to Blackfoot.
“My husband and I did not know him before any of this happened, but this was his dream and this was something that he wanted to give to his brothers in arms,” Cindy said. “He wanted it here! He had seen it, he had felt it and he knew what healing power it had for him. This isn’t about anything that we have done. He came to us hoping that we could help him realize a dream, that he had for his friends, and we are still so grateful for the opportunity to be able to help him realize something that he wanted so much for these people.”
Thanks to the efforts of Saunders and Mr. and Mrs. Reese, they managed to raise more than 10,000 dollars in order to provide East Idaho’s veterans with this healing experience. Thanks to the sponsorship of Bingham Memorial Hospital, Idaho Central Credit Union and other donations, they have made it possible for Fred’s dream of The Wall That Heals to visit East Idaho come true, so that his brothers in arms can experience, as he has, the healing power of the memorial.
For the first time ever, The Wall That Heals will be on display in Jensen’s Grovefrom Sept. 24 to Sept. 27. The committee has many events planned during this time, as well as an interactive learning center about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Citizens will have 24/7 access to the wall, so that all individuals may be able to visit when they are able to. For more information and to support The Wall That Heals-Blackfoot follow them on Facebook (The Wall That Heals-Blackfoot, ID) or visit www.blackfootwallthatheals.org.