“The Wall that Heals” holds ceremony for those affected by Agent Orange

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Next Wednesday is the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, marking the official end of the Vietnam War.

A special memorial honoring those who died during the conflict is temporarily on display in Whiteville.

The Wall that Heals is a 3-quarter size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The replica travels throughout the country, and since arriving in Whiteville earlier this week, hundreds have come to see it.

It’s on display at the Veterans Memorial Park of America on James B. White Highway.

Like the permanent display in Washington, the replica lists the names of more than 58,000 American men and women killed in Vietnam between 1959 and 1975.

Whiteville resident Bud Stauffer knew two of the names listed on the wall.

“We worked together, they were Air Force security police,” Stauffer said. “But they didn’t come home.”

Stauffer helped bring the wall to Whiteville and said it means so much seeing the names of his friends on the wall.

“It’s heartwarming, it’s emotional. I had the opportunity to actually escort this panel as it was placed in its location, and I just, just super emotional.”

The wall also served as the backdrop for a special ceremony Friday evening, honoring those who have died or been affected by Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide used extensively by the US throughout the war.

Veteran Wallace Hopson said he’s been affected by exposure to Agent Orange during his service.

For many others, he said, exposure to the chemical has had severe consequences.

“To see some of the people and the conditions they’re in and stuff and how it’s affecting their bodies and stuff,” Hopson said.

As for Stauffer, he said it’s nice seeing so many, both those who served in Vietnam and those who just wanted to pay their respects, come to see the wall.

“I’ve met other Vietnam veterans here that are looking for their buddies on the wall. And I’ve met people from, from other conflicts or maybe served during Vietnam, but never actually went to Vietnam that took the time out of their day to come out here and honor these people.”

The wall will be open to the public 24 hours a day, until it closes at 2 pm Sunday, after which it will then head to Roxboro.